How to Treat a Mild Stroke

Minor stroke or medically known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when the intake of oxygen to certain parts of the brain is blocked for a while, then returned to normal. The obstruction is usually caused by narrowing of the arteries of the brain due to atherosclerosis or small blood clot carried in from elsewhere in the body and clog the arteries of the brain. Most mild stroke only lasted less than ten minutes with a temporary phenomenon. Most of the other minor stroke last up to several hours. If the continues for more than 24 hours then it is categorized as a regular stroke.

Mild Stroke Symptoms

Mild stroke symptoms similar to ordinary stroke. Here are some of the symptoms of a mild stroke, depending on which part of the circulatory system and brain are affected :

• Vision problems in one or both eyes, including double vision and temporary blindness
• Dizzy, confused and weak
• Difficulty speaking, including speaking with intonation chaotic
• Unable to walk (ataxia)
• Loss of memory or consciousness suddenly
• Difficulty coordinating hands and arms
• Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body

How to Treat a Mild Stroke

Diagnosis

When you experience the above symptoms, you should immediately see a doctor. Minor stroke is a threat and an opportunity for you. Called as a threat because of the warning of the risk of a major stroke in the future. Called opportunity because you have a chance to prevent it.

In addition to examining the symptoms, the doctor will ask for your medical history, including if you have a risk of stroke due to high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking and certain heart diseases. Physical examination includes a neurological examination to evaluate the level of consciousness, sensation, and function (visual, motor, language) and determine the cause, location, and level of stroke. Your doctor will evaluate the airway, breathing, and circulation and vital signs (ie, pulse, respiration, body temperature). Head (including the ears, eyes, nose, and throat) and extremities were also examined to help determine the cause of the stroke and rule out other conditions that produce similar symptoms.

To ascertain the cause of a mild stroke, your doctor may request for a CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) in your brain. Another examination of the condition of the heart and blood circulation using Doppler, MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) or cardiac X-ray may also be done.

Handling

If you have a mild stroke, the doctor will provide preventive medicine to reduce the risk of blood clots recurrence of stroke, which is an anti-coagulant and anti-platelet. Aspirin is the most widely type of drugs given to patients post-stroke.

When the arteries in your neck narrowing means, surgery or carotid artery stenting may be done to correct it.