Most of us can easily identify a stroke. There a lot of signs that would warrant immediate attention and we do understand that. But there are times when all we would be able to identify is a faint stirring in our body and we don’t think much about it. But, these stirrings can lead to something fatal. Although it might look nothing like a real stroke, the implications can be dangerous.
Ministrokes are also called Transient Ischemic Attack(TIA) and can last anywhere from one minute to a whole day. As said earlier, even though it might not really hurt you now, it could cause a major stroke later in your life.
Here are several signs that might help you identify a ministroke.
Neglect In Vision
A ministroke can lead to neglected vision, among other problems. Vision related problems are common in the event of a mini stroke, with the victim being blinded or unable to see in one eye. But they also go through one sided neglected vision. This makes them see only one side of anything. For example, they may eat their food from one side of the dish.
Numbness
Again, this will only affect that side of the body where the ministroke took place. They may feel weakness or tingling on the left side or the right side, depending upon the place of the ministroke.
Dizziness
Ministrokes lead to dizziness and swooning. So, walking might not really be the best solution.
Problems in Speech
Ministrokes can lead to problems in speech. The part of the brain responsible for speech can get damaged, leading to severe problems. This would also lead to problems in comprehending situations and recalling them. Added to that is the problem of not being able to control the muscles essential for speaking.
Headaches
Headaches are usually discernible and their cause understood. Be it a migraine or heat or stress, one can understand what caused it. If there are no reasons, it can be a mini stroke.
Confusion
Mini strokes might make you completely confused about everything. You wouldn’t be able to grasp anything happening around you. You might have difficulty in speaking or walking, or even remembering what happened. It might also lead to memory loss and not understanding simple actions.
In this event, time is essential. Don’t waste time, but act F.A.S.T.
Face– Ask the person to smile and check if any part of their face drops or not.
Arm– Ask them to raise their hands and see if either hand wavers or shakes a lot.
Speech– Ask them to utter a sentence and repeat it. Are the words slurry? Are they able to pronounce it clearly?
Time– Don’t waste time, call a doctor.
Someone’s life is in your hands, so don’t delay. Ministrokes might not be fatal immediately, but they can surely wreck havoc later in life. So, why would you take a risk when all it needs is a simple visit to the hospital?
