Mini Strokes also known as TIA's

I get calls from families that are not sure how to handle loved ones with symptoms related to TIA's. This situation can be scary for the elder and confusing for the family.The most frustrating part is that by the time the elder gets to the doctor the symptoms have improved; leaving everyone bewildered. Physicians will sometimes recommend changes in medications when TIA symptoms are exhibited; but may not explain the reasons very clearly. Here is an explanation about TIA's and how they relate to strokes.

Transient Ischemic Attack is abbreviated as TIA, often commonly referred to as “mini strokes”. It is caused by the changes in the blood supply to a particular area of the brain, resulting in brief neurological dysfunction that persists, by definition, for less than 24 hours; if symptoms persist then it is categorized as a stroke. *Patients will most likely return to previous level of function within 24 hours*.
One third of the people with TIA's later have recurrent TIA's and one third have a stroke due to permanent nerve cell loss.
TIAs are important in predicting IF a stroke will occur rather than when one will happen. They can occur days, weeks or even months before a major stroke. In about half the cases, the stroke occurs within one year of the TIA.

Symptoms vary but most commonly include weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arms and legs on one or both sides of the body; vision and language problems; confusion; vertigo (the sense that either you or the room is spinning); poor balance; and lack of coordination. Remember these will typically have no lasting effect and the following day the senior will return to previous function.

3.6% of men age 75-79 will experience a TIA
4.1% of women age 75-79 will experience a TIA

According to the American Heart Association, prevention includes:

Eliminate smoking. Smokers are two times more likely to have TIA's leading to strokes than nonsmokers.

Drink alcohol only in moderation. Heavy alcohol use also increases stroke risk, perhaps by increasing the viscosity of blood and making it more prone to clotting.

Exercise and maintain a healthy low-fat diet. These measures will help maintain proper weight and place less strain on the circulatory system.

Control blood glucose. This improves general health and reduces diabetes-associated complications.

If your loved one lives more than a few hours away consider obtaining a geriatric case manager.

Geriatric case managers can act as liaison when loved ones can't be near. They are professionals with specific training, often licensed counselors or social workers with knowledge of community resources.