Nipping a TIA in the Bud: Recognizing, Preventing and Treating the Transient Ischemic Attack”.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) can last for a few seconds to a few minutes and is a precursor to a stroke. Dr. Tran Xuan Thuy from the Department of Neurovascular Interventions at Central Military Hospital 108 in Hanoi explained that TIA is a temporary reduction or loss of local cerebral blood supply, resulting in neurological symptoms that recover completely within 24 hours. While most TIAs are brief, lasting less than five minutes on average and only lasting about one minute, it’s crucial to recognize and prevent them as they can progress to more severe strokes.

Symptoms of TIA include sudden numbness and weakness in the arms, legs, and face on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding words, sudden blindness in one eye, and sudden headache of unknown cause. High-risk patient groups include those with hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and atherosclerosis. Seeking treatment at a specialized medical facility immediately is vital. Patients will receive active medical treatment such as anticoagulation, antiplatelet aggregation, increased cerebral circulation, control of blood pressure and blood fats. Additionally, doctors will work quickly to identify and treat the underlying cause of the TIA to prevent future strokes.

To prevent TIA proactively manage risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity by maintaining a healthy lifestyle such as regular exercise and proper dietary habits. Regular health screenings are also recommended to monitor for any potential issues. By taking prompt action when experiencing symptoms or undergoing routine health checks individuals can significantly reduce their risk of experiencing a TIA or subsequent stroke.