A mini stroke is also referred to as a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. Blood clots often cause TIA’s.
These are also known as a “warning stroke” and should be treated as a medical emergency, just like a major stroke. More than a third of people who have a TIA and do not get treatment have a major stroke within 1 year! As many as 10% to 15% of people will have a major stroke within 3 months of a TIA.
Strokes don’t care if you are male or female, young or old. The best way to prevent a stroke is to know, understand, and control risk factors.
High Blood Pressure is when the pressure in your arteries and other blood vessels is too high. This is the leading cause of stroke. Get your blood pressure checked often and if you have high blood pressure, work with your medical team to lower it through lifestyle changes and/or medication.
History of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or previous stroke increase your chances of having another stroke.
High cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that can build up in the arteries, including those of the brain. This can lead to narrowing of the arteries, stroke, and other issues. When certain blood work is ordered, your doctor can tell if you have high cholesterol. Lifestyle changes such as reducing saturated fats, eliminating trans fats, exercise, stop smoking, and eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help lower cholesterol.
Physical (PT) and Occupational Therapists (OT) have different roles, but each are very important after an individual has a stroke. Speech-language therapy may also be indicated for those people who have communication, swallowing, thinking and memory difficulties. The long-term goal when working with PT or OT is to help individuals become as independent as possible, while being safe. Physical Therapists are movement experts who can assist stroke survivors reach their goals through physical exercise and hands-on treatments. You may work on balance, strength, range of motion to help with safety when transferring and walking. Occupational Therapists use therapeutic activities to help individuals return to everyday tasks such as dressing, bathing, toileting, self-feeding. OT’s also work on balance, strength, and range of motion to help during these functional tasks.
It's important for stroke survivors to realize once they are discharged from therapy, they must continue with exercises at home. More than likely, they will continue to need more therapy later on to help with maintaining and even improving strength, balance, and function.
SOURCES: www.cdc.gov, www.stroke.org
This is intended to provide general health information and is not intended to provide individual-specific medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
