Mini Strokes (TIA's)
Some strokes are very sudden, but often there are warning signs. Usually these warnings are in the form of a mini stroke or Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
Transient
Stroke symptoms disappear within 24 hours (often less than an hour).
Ischaemic
Blockage of blood flow to part of the brain.
Attack
Sudden onset of symptoms.
Transient Ischaemic Attack symptoms are very similar to those of a stroke (see ‘Recognising Stroke’), and the causes are the same as for ischaemic stroke. By definition, the symptoms are temporary, lasting less than 24 hours. Symptoms lasting more than 24 hours are called a ‘stroke’. Most TIAs fully recover within a few minutes or an hour.
If symptoms persist beyond this it is better to act as if it is a stroke and seek help immediately – Act FAST and dial 111.
Common symptoms may include:
- Sudden weakness and/or numbness of face, arm and/or leg especially on one side of the body
- Sudden blurred or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or difficulty controlling movements.
What to do if you suspect you have had a TIA
Seek medical attention immediately. Never ignore the symptoms of a TIA even if you fully recover. It might be a warning of a future more severe stroke, which could be prevented with treatment. The average risk of having a stroke in the first year after a TIA is about 10 per cent. But some people are at much greater risk of having a stroke within the next few days or weeks, even as much as 10 per cent in the first week. The sooner a doctor is able to confirm whether it is a TIA, the sooner you can start on treatment to prevent a stroke.
Ideally, the person with a suspected TIA should go directly to hospital for an assessment by a stroke specialist within hours or days of the suspected TIA.
Your doctor will need to:
- Confirm your problem is likely to be caused by a TIA or minor stroke rather than another health issue.
- Identify your risk of having another TIA or stroke, and treatable factors that could increase this risk.
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Organise the best treatment to reduce chances of suffering from a stroke in the future and start this as soon as possible.
- Various tests may be arranged, similar to those listed for Hospital Stroke Assessment and Management
- If there is a delay in access to appropriate specialist services it is important that treatment to prevent a stroke is started as soon as possible by a GP, even before other tests can be arranged.
Stroke Foundation of N.Z. Inc (National office)
P O Box 12482
L1, Federation House
95-99 Molesworth Street
WELLINGTON
Tel: 04 472 8099
0800 STROKE (0800 78 76 53)
E-mail: strokenz@stroke.org.nz
© 2007 New Zealand Stroke Foundation Inc. All Rights Reserved.