What is a Mini Stroke?

My grandfather had a Mini Stroke. He is doing fine now. But I was just curious what a Mini Stroke is and What Happens when someone has one

His Live In Nurse Was There When He Had It.
Thank Goodness

A mini stroke or TIA transient ischemic attacks much less severe in nature than a large stroke .There would be permanent damage to the brain with noticeable weakness on one side of the body or paralysis.The small stroke that involves the brain,but the temporary loss of circulation doesn't last long enough to cause any permanent brain damage.With a large or significant stroke the brain tissue dies and recovery can be difficult or impossible.Doctors know that these "mini-strokes" are a warning that a significant stroke ( CVA) cerebral vascular accident is very likely to occur in the future.The treatment would include Carotid Doppler studies to check for plaque build up,medications and follow up exams Take care. SW RNP

Transient Ischemic Attack Overview

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, occurs when the supply of oxygen is cut off to an area of the brain. Unlike the effects of a stroke, which are often permanent, the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack last less than 24 hours and usually less than 10 minutes. Anyone who has had a transient ischemic attack is at risk of developing a stroke in the future.

The term mini-stroke is not accurate despite its common usage. However, transient ischemic attacks or mini-strokes are warning signals of a future stroke and are real emergencies. Some physicians make a comparison of chest pain and heart attack to transient ischemic attacks and stroke鈥攁nd even refer to the stroke as a brain attack. Stroke is the third most common cause of death (after heart attack and cancer) in the United States.

* Risk factors for a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke are similar to those for heart disease: high blood pressure, diabetes, high blood cholesterol, cigarette smoking, obesity, and a family history of stroke or heart disease.

* Men are at 3 times greater risk than females. The risk increases for those older than 45 years. People in their 70s and 80s are at the greatest risk for TIA and stroke.

* The symptoms of a TIA appear and then go away because the human body has the ability to restore blood flow to the affected part of the brain under these circumstances. Small blood clots that form within the blood vessels can be broken down using the body's own protective mechanism.

"Transient ischemic attack" is the official name for a mini stroke. TIA is another name for it. It is basically when someone appears to be having a stroke but then recovers fully within 24 hours. It is caused by decreased blood flow in an area of the brain; the person's symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected. In turn, there are many things that can cause the blood flow to decrease, and the doctor needs to sort that out.

It is generally a wake-up call, telling the person that he is at risk for having a real stroke in the future. I'm glad your grandfather is doing fine now, and I hope he is working with his doctor to make sure he doesn't have similar problems in the future.

Here is an article about it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transient_i...

it is also called an 'TIM" or maybe i have that backwards a TMI...anyway its not a real stroke...its the for runner of a bigger one...but not to worry...if he saw the doc. and the doc. put him on blood thinners ...he should be ok ask if hes on them....

THEY ARE CALLED T.I.A.'S
GO TO www.stroke.com
and YOU WILL FIND
OUT ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
I HAVE 4 MINI'S IN ONE DAY
LAST AUG. STILL NOT THE SAME....TERRIBLE
MEMORY PROBLEMS BUT HEY, I AIN'T DEAD YET

A stroke is when an artery in the brain becomes blocked by arteriosclerotic plaque or bursts. The effect is to cut off blood supply to part of the brain with loss of function of that part. A mini
stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack) usually results from a
partial, temporary blockage in a carotid artery...the main artery to the brain in the neck. This is caused by plaque, and this plaque can also break off tiny pieces (emboli) which travel to the brain
and cause tiny strokes with minor disability.I hope Gramps had his carotids tested...often plaques there can be removed surgically
or kept from growing by medication.