Just like paralysis, timely intervention is vital for attacks called transient ischemic attacks (temporary paralysis) and mini-strokes that do not cause permanent damage and last less than 24 hours. Neurologist Dr. Yüksel Dede said, “Because both attacks can be a sign of a major stroke.”
Nazan DOĞANER HALICI
Release: 05:00 – 07 September 2023 Updated:
Transient ischemic attack (transient paralysis) is a non-permanent symptom that lasts less than 24 hours with partial or complete cessation of blood supply to the brain. Often, the symptoms go away when a brain vessel is clogged with a clot and opens spontaneously. In mini-stroke, although the symptoms go away, a small blockage in the brain vessels can be seen in the imaging. Stating that precautions should be taken against the risk of permanent paralysis in both cases, Neurology Specialist Dr. Yüksel Dede shared the following information about stroke, transient ischemic attack and mini-stroke, which are the 3rd causes of death worldwide:
Dr. Yuksel Dede
WHAT IS PALACE?
The blood vessels provide the energy and oxygen that the brain tissue needs. The interruption of this source causes the clinical condition we call stroke. As a result of the clot settling in the brain vessels, congestion in these vessels or a in the vessel causing bleeding are among the main causes of stroke.
WHO ARE AT RISK?
Diabetes (diabetes), high blood pressure disease, high cholesterol, smoking, advanced age,
are risk factors for stroke.
HOW TO UNDERSTAND?
Findings such as sudden speech disorder, visual impairment, weakness in arms and legs, sensory disorders, balance disorder, unilateral drooping in the corner of the mouth may be a sign of paralysis.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IN THAT MOMENT?
The most important thing in a stroke is time. If we have a relative who we think is paralyzed, we need to take him to the hospital urgently so that he can be intervened in a timely manner. We make a diagnosis of stroke and determine what type of stroke it is by performing brain imaging immediately. Treatment also varies accordingly. (Brain CT (Computerized Tomography) or brain MRI (Magnetic Resonance) as well as CT angiography examinations showing brain vessels can be performed.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
If a stroke patient whose cerebral vessel is clogged with a clot arrives at the hospital within the first 4.5 hours after the onset of the event, anticoagulant treatments can be given if the clinical condition is appropriate. In addition, it is also possible to reach and remove the clot in the vein through interventional angiography called Thrombectomy for suitable patients. After these procedures, blood thinners are started to prevent a new stroke. If necessary, surgical treatment can also be performed.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PROTECT?
Tight control of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol is important in preventing stroke. In addition to the treatment of diseases, it is necessary to make some changes in lifestyle. These include quitting smoking, exercising regularly, losing weight if you are overweight, limiting salt and alcohol consumption, consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and low in meat, sweets and refined grains.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A PARLIAMENT WITHOUT NOTICE?
It is possible to have a paralysis that occurs in a short time and this situation is called transient ischemic attack (temporary paralysis). Apart from this, there is also the case of mini-stroke, which occurs as a result of the occlusion of small vessels that are too small to be symptomatic, and which we only detect when we do brain imaging. Both attacks are similar to a stroke, but do not cause permanent damage to the brain. It occurs when an artery in the brain becomes blocked and then opens on its own. It is caused by a temporary interruption in the blood supply to part of the brain. The interruption in the blood supply causes a lack of oxygen in the affected part of the brain. This can cause sudden paralysis-like symptoms such as speech and vision impairment, and numbness or weakness in the face, arms, legs, and resolve within 1 hour. Although they do not cause permanent symptoms, these are serious conditions. Because it indicates an increased risk of stroke. Continuous repetition of these silent strokes may cause disability in the long term.
What should be considered after the treatment?
Depending on the severity of the situation, some patients recover after a stroke without experiencing long-term and serious problems. But some may lose important brain functions; for example, they may not be able to speak, eat, or move one side of their body. In this case, it will be necessary to get help from experts in the field, such as occupational therapist, physiotherapist and speech therapist. After a stroke, there is an increased risk of other medical problems, such as nutritional problems, lung or urinary tract infections, and bedsores. In this respect, continuous medical care and control may be required. There are also medical precautions that we need to take to ensure that the paralyzed patient does not experience the same situation again and to protect the remaining healthy brain tissue.