Mini Stroke: The Silent Threat Women Often Ignore
Did you know that a mini stroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), is not harmless? Although symptoms pass quickly, this condition is a serious warning that a real stroke may be looming. Neurologist Dr. Eliza Miller warns that the risk of a real stroke within 90 days after a TIA is as high as 18%, with half of those strokes occurring within the first two days!
Why is TIA dangerous? TIA happens when the oxygen supply to the brain is temporarily interrupted. Unlike a classic stroke, TIA does not cause permanent brain damage because blood flow is quickly restored. However, this does not mean symptoms should be ignored. Even if symptoms disappear, there is a high risk that a stroke will recur, often in a more severe form.
Symptoms you must not ignore TIA symptoms are almost the same as those of a real stroke: sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, speech problems, loss of vision, or balance issues. The danger is that symptoms last only a few minutes to an hour, so people often think everything is fine and do not seek help.
Women are especially at risk Research shows that women more often have nonspecific symptoms that can be easily overlooked or attributed to stress, migraine, or anxiety. Also, women who suffer from migraine with aura, use hormonal contraception, or are in premature menopause have a higher risk of stroke.
What to do if you notice symptoms? Never wait to see if symptoms will pass on their own! Dr. Miller emphasizes that calling emergency services immediately is crucial. Driving yourself to the hospital can delay necessary treatment. Doctors have only 4.5 hours from symptom onset to administer clot-busting drugs and prevent permanent brain damage.
Diagnosis and treatment Diagnosing TIA can be challenging because MRI often does not show damage. Therefore, additional tests such as blood vessel scans, blood tests, and ECG are used. Based on the findings, doctors assess the risk and prescribe therapy, usually including low-dose aspirin and medications for blood pressure or cholesterol.
Conclusion A mini stroke is not something to ignore. Recognizing symptoms and acting quickly can prevent a real stroke and save your brain. Women, in particular, should be cautious and not dismiss seemingly harmless symptoms.
So, have you or someone you know ever ignored these symptoms? Or maybe you have your own “mini stroke” joke? Share in the comments, let’s see how many of us have been through this without panic!
