A transient ischemic attack affects an individual when a blood clot occurs in the brain and blocks the flow of blood to a particular portion of the brain. A transient ischemic attack is also referred to as a TIA by the medical fraternity because it can lead to permanent brain damage which is often caused by a buildup of plaque within the blood vessel. However, a TIA cannot be considered as a mental health condition because the after effects are entirely different.

What Happens During A Transient Ischemic Attack {TIA}

Unlike an Ischemic Stroke, a TIA does not cause permanent damage to the brain.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack are similar to those of an ischemic stroke which is considered as one of the most common types of strokes which affect people. When affected by a TIA, the individual may experience symptoms like weakness, numbness or paralyzes on one side of the body. They may also experience dual vision, slurred speech, problems with balancing, blindness and unexplained headaches without a reason.

The medical fraternity has determined that a TIA does not cause permanent brain damage as it is the case with a stroke. People affected by a TIA find some relief when the body gets rid of the blockage within the blood vessel before it can cause lasting damage. This information has been provided by the American Stroke Association {ASA}. After the body gets rid of the blockage the blood flow resumes. The chances of permanent damage remain only when the blood flow is blocked for an extended period of time. If the clot which caused the TIA does not go away by itself it is classified as an ischemic stroke.

What Actions Can One Take If Been Affected by A TIA

Medical attention is essential for people who experience symptoms of a TIA.

Whenever people experience symptoms of a stroke, they are advised to seek medical attention without delays. It is impossible to determine whether a person is affected by a full-blown stroke or a TIA simply considering the symptoms alone. In many cases, the symptoms may give an impression of going away within a short time.

A TIA is also referred to as a mini-stroke and is a warning that the affected individual could suffer from a full-blown stroke in the days ahead of him or her. Approximately 10% of the people who suffer from a TIA progress to having a full-blown stroke within 48 hours or even three months. Instances have also been noted when individuals have not had a full-blown stroke until two years after suffering from a TIA.

About 33% people who have a TIA also require hospitalization within a year for a full-blown stroke and nearly 40% of people that have suffered an ischemic stroke have reported they have had a TIA initially. An individual who has a TIA is always susceptible to having another one when his or her blood pressure increases beyond the recommended limits.

Is There A Permanent Cure For A Transient Ischemic Attack?

Unfortunately, a permanent cure for a TIA does not exist. The only cure which has been discovered until this date is to have a stent inserted in the brain to remove the blood clot. However, the stent must be inserted within three hours of the individual developing the initial symptoms of TIA. The blood clot breaks away after three hours going into the blood flow and circulates in the body. These smaller blood clots have the potential to create further problems for the individual in the form of additional TIA or a stroke.

Transient Ischemic attacks can affect everyone and are not limited to the elderly.

A transient ischemic attack can occur at any age and is just not limited to the elderly. The TIA is a result of unhealthy living, excessive use of alcohol and tobacco along with a sedentary lifestyle which combined together can lead to an increase in blood pressure levels, LDL-cholesterol and also give rise to conditions like diabetes. The medical fraternity generally advises people not to smoke and to limit their consumption of alcohol to moderate levels. Getting at least 75 minutes of exercise every week is also a recommendation made by many experts. Having the proper diet is also a requirement of people who may have suffered a TIA or fear one at some time during the future.

Despite a transient ischemic stroke occurring in the brain people cannot be under the impression that it is a mental condition. Many people have suffered multiple TIAs and are still managing to lead normal lives despite being handicapped by some of the after-effects which are left behind by this condition.