What makes the mini-stroke so dangerous

The signs of a TIA are often weaker than those of a stroke. This often leads to those affected not taking the symptoms seriously and not having them checked by a doctor. Doctors also do not always immediately recognize a TIA as such. However, this can have serious consequences, because the risk of a stroke is very high after a TIA.

TIA is the abbreviation for Transient Ischemic Attack. Experts understand it as a brief and temporary decreased blood flow in the brain, which causes mild neurological disturbances such as visual disturbances, speech disturbances or paralysis.

However, unlike a stroke, a TIA passes on its own after a short time and does not leave any lasting damage. For this reason, many also refer to the TIA as a “mini stroke”.

The TIA is considered a precursor to a stroke. It’s just as serious as a real stroke. Like a “true” cerebral infarction, it is a medical emergency that must be medically clarified and treated as soon as possible.

In a transient ischemic attack, sudden (usually mild) neurologic deficits occur over a short period of time, similar to a stroke.

However, unlike a stroke, the symptoms of a TIA usually only last a few minutes, in rare cases several hours, and then disappear within 24 hours at the latest. There is no permanent damage in a TIA.

The symptoms of a TIA depend on which part of the brain is affected by the lack of blood flow. Depending on the situation, a mini-stroke causes different symptoms, such as:

The transient ischemic attack or mini-stroke is considered a precursor to a stroke for a reason. Because about every fifth stroke has had a TIA beforehand – and usually relatively shortly before: about every fifth person will have a stroke within the next 12 months after a TIA. About one in eight people will have a stroke within a month of a TIA.

The TIA is just as much a medical emergency as a “true” stroke, even if the symptoms disappear after a short time. So if there are signs of a TIA, don’t wait long and call an ambulance (112). Especially since at first glance it is not possible to say with certainty whether it is actually a stroke.

If it then turns out that a TIA has actually caused the complaints, it can be a bit of a shock at first. On the other hand, measures can now be taken to avert an impending stroke.

A transient ischemic attack occurs when a blood clot briefly blocks a blood vessel in the brain. The underlying brain areas are then temporarily no longer supplied with sufficient blood and oxygen.

The blood clot usually does not form in the brain itself, but in another part of the body. From there it is drained with the blood and flushed into the brain.

Without a sufficient supply of oxygen, the first brain cells die after a short time. This can become noticeable through neurological deficits.

The risk of a TIA increases due to the following factors:

These are the same factors that also promote stroke.

Even if a transient ischemic attack usually resolves on its own after a short time, it should not be taken lightly. TIA requires professional treatment to reduce the risk of another stroke. Because many people have a “real” stroke shortly after a mini-stroke.

Because it is often not clear at the beginning whether it is a TIA or a stroke, the treatment is usually the same as for a stroke.

If testing shows that it is indeed a TIA, further treatment usually consists of blood-thinning or anticoagulant medication and lifestyle changes.

In some cases, surgical intervention may also be necessary, for example if the carotid artery is narrowed due to arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

It is also important to rule out risk factors for stroke as much as possible. This mainly concerns reducing (severe) obesity, stopping smoking and avoiding alcohol as much as possible.

The exact treatment after a TIA depends on individual factors and may vary from case to case.

Medicines are usually prescribed to people who have had a transient ischemic attack. These are intended to reduce the risk of another TIA or stroke and should be taken daily from now on. In most cases, these are active ingredients that slow blood clotting and thus prevent new blood clots.

The medications used after a TIA usually contain active ingredients from the following groups:

If there are also medical conditions that are considered risk factors for a TIA or stroke (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol), these should also be treated.

Often, unfavorable lifestyle habits have contributed to a transient ischemic attack or the conditions that favor a TIA. After a TIA, those affected should not only rely on medicines, but also reconsider their previous lifestyle and make some changes.

quit smoking: Anyone who smokes has a double to four times higher risk of stroke. Quitting smoking after a TIA can therefore significantly reduce the risk.

Alcohol only in moderation: Regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol can have many health consequences. This also increases the risk of stroke. That is why it is best to drink alcohol occasionally and in moderation.

Healthy food: Eating a healthy, balanced diet can reduce your risk of stroke. A recommended diet is the Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruits and vegetables and relatively low in meat, fat, and sugar.

Regular exercise: Lack of exercise can increase the risk of stroke. To prevent another TIA or stroke, you should exercise regularly. About 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week is sufficient for this, for example in the form of brisk walks, Nordic walking, cycling or swimming.

reduce excess weight: Being overweight (obese, from a BMI of 30) increases the risk of having a stroke. Even a small weight loss can significantly reduce the risk in such cases.