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The importance of mini-strokes
Many people will feel nervous when they hear the word "stroke", because everyone knows that stroke is a very serious disease, and when the word "small" is added in front of "stroke", many people will relax their vigilance and feel that "small stroke" is not a big deal, and it will be fine after a while, so don't worry too much.
In fact, this kind of thinking is very dangerous. A mini-stroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a red flag that predicts a much higher likelihood of a more severe stroke in the future.
If action is not taken in time, a mini-stroke is likely to develop into a serious stroke or even be life-threatening.
What is a "mini-stroke"?
A "mini-stroke" is medically known as a transient ischemic attack or TIA. It refers to a temporary decrease in blood flow to a part of the brain, resulting in a temporary impairment of brain function for a short period of time.
This process usually lasts from a few minutes to a few hours, but not more than 24 hours at most, and the patient is completely back to normal after the attack. Because the symptoms of a "mini-stroke" are short-lived and leave no sequelae, many people tend to overlook its importance.
A "mini-stroke" is different from a real stroke in that it does not cause permanent damage to brain tissue, but it is a precursor to a stroke. Studies have shown that people with mini-strokes have a 4% to 10% chance of having a true stroke within 7 days of the attack, and this risk increases to 10% to 20% within 90 days.
This means that if a person has a "mini-stroke" and is not treated in time, then his risk of developing a serious stroke in the short term is quite high.
Causes of mini-strokes
1. Atherosclerosis
This is the main cause of "mini-stroke". Atherosclerosis is the formation of atherotic plaques due to fatty deposits in the arteries that supply blood to the brain (e.g., carotid arteries, vertebral arteries).
These plaques can rupture to form blood clots, which travel through the bloodstream to blood vessels in the brain, causing temporary blockages in blood vessels that can cause a "mini-stroke."
2. Microembolization
When tiny blood vessels in a localized area of brain tissue narrow, close, or spasm, the blood supply is interrupted or significantly reduced, resulting in focal cerebral ischemia. The embolus of the heart breaks off and flows with the blood into the cerebral arteries, blocking the arterioles and causing microembolism, resulting in a "mini-stroke".
3. Changes in blood composition and oxygen levels
Factors such as increased blood viscosity, dyslipidemia, and high blood sugar all increase the risk of a "mini-stroke". For example, increased blood viscosity can slow down blood flow and make blood clots more likely to form.
Hypoxemia, such as the hypoxic state caused by COPD or sleep apnea, can also have a damaging effect on nerve cells deep in the brain, leading to the occurrence of "mini-strokes".
Clinical manifestations of mini-stroke
1. Sudden onset of symptoms
Many people with mini-strokes have sudden changes in their vision in one eye, such as darkening of their eyes or blurred vision. This condition is usually caused by transient ischemia of the blood vessels that supply the retina. Another common symptom is a sudden inability to speak or understand others, caused by a temporary ischemia of the brain's language centers.
2. Sensory and motor abnormalities on one side of the body
Mini-strokes often cause sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, and people may feel a sudden loss of movement in one arm or leg, or feel an unusual tingling sensation.
This symptom usually lasts from a few minutes to tens of minutes before returning to normal on its own. In addition, some patients have unsteadiness on their feet or difficulty walking, which is caused by insufficient blood supply to the cerebellum or brainstem.
3. Other symptoms
Other symptoms of mini-stroke include sudden vertigo, nystagmus, severe headache with nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing, choking on water, and crooked corners of the mouth. These symptoms, although short-lived, can have a serious impact on a patient's quality of life.
Treatment and prevention of mini-strokes
1. Emergency treatment of mini-stroke
As soon as symptoms of a mini-stroke appear, patients should seek medical attention immediately. Early intervention can greatly reduce the risk of serious stroke. The doctor will choose the appropriate treatment according to the condition, such as antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulant drugs, etc., to prevent further blood clot formation.
2. Long-term precautions
The prevention of mini-strokes needs to start with lifestyle habits. Controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids is the basis for preventing mini-strokes. In terms of diet, we should focus on low-salt, low-sugar and low-fat foods, eat more fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains, and eat less animal fat and high-cholesterol foods. Keep your stool smooth and avoid straining to defecate that can increase your blood pressure.
3. Emerging prevention and surveillance technologies
Regular blood pressure, lipids, blood sugar, electrocardiogram and other examinations are important measures to prevent mini-strokes. In recent years, the application of intelligent health monitoring equipment has also provided us with more convenient means of health management. These devices can monitor physical conditions in real time, detect abnormalities in time, and help early intervention.
4. Mental health management
Stress management and mental health also play an important role in the prevention of mini-strokes. Through psychological counseling, relaxation training and other methods, psychological stress can be effectively reduced and blood pressure fluctuations caused by stress can be prevented.
Family and community support is also very important. Families and communities can provide emotional support and health advice to help at-risk people maintain a healthy lifestyle.
By having a comprehensive understanding of the clinical manifestations of ministroke, its causes, and who is at high risk, we can better prevent and treat the disease. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups, and emphasizing mental health and community support will be important measures to protect your health.