Discover the early warning signs of a mild stroke (Transient Ischemic Attack) at our specialized stroke clinic in Singapore. Learn about the subtle symptoms that may signal a TIA and the importance of prompt medical attention.

Introduction to Mild Stroke (Transient Ischemic Attack)

A mild stroke, or transient ischemic attack, can feel incredibly scary. Worse, it can be a warning sign of a more serious stroke to follow. Unfortunately, many people brush off the signs. By learning to recognize the warning signs of a mild stroke, you can seek medical attention quickly. That medical attention can prove essential in protecting future functionality and increasing your odds of making a full recovery. 

Understanding Mild Strokes

A mild stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), involves temporary symptoms that mimic those of a full-blown stroke. These symptoms generally resolve quickly: some in as little as an hour, though symptoms may linger for up to 24 hours after a TIA. When you have a full-blown stroke, symptoms may linger much longer. 1 in 3 people who have a TIA will go on to have a full stroke. In half of those cases, the stroke will occur within a year of the initial event. That makes prompt treatment and evaluation for TIA essential.

Warning Signs of Mild Strokes

Symptoms of mild strokes can appear similar to the symptoms of a full stroke. They generally occur suddenly, and may include:

• Garbled speech
• Difficulty understanding others’ speech
• Loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Paralysis or loss of feeling on one side of the body
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Disorientation
• Severe headache with no other cause

These symptoms may range from mild to severe, and patients may not present with all symptoms at the time of the event.

Risk Factors of Mild Stroke

A mild stroke can come on without warning. However, some people have a greater risk of mild stroke than others. A family history of TIA increases the risk that you will have a mild stroke of your own. Men also have greater risk of TIA than women. Other risk factors include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heavy alcohol use
• Heavy tobacco use
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity

Patients may also have increased risk of TIA if they have a history of migraine or sleep apnea. 

How to Reduce and Prevent Mild Strokes

Patients who want to reduce or prevent the risk of mild strokes should consult with their doctor and talk about their risk factors. While some risk factors, including age and genetics, are outside a patient’s control, you can reduce your risk of a stroke by:

• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Controlling medical risk factors, including sleep apnea, diabetes, or high blood pressure
  Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Work closely with your care provider to decrease your risks. 

What to Do after a Mild Stroke

If you believe you have had a TIA, seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms resolve within minutes. Your care provider can evaluate you for further stroke risk and help you take any necessary steps to improve overall health or recommend treatment that can help reduce your odds of a full stroke. 

The Importance of Prompt Recognition

Failing to promptly recognize and treat mild strokes can substantially increase your risk of a severe stroke later on. Mild strokes are transient in nature: that is, the symptoms disappear quickly. However, they are often indicative of a serious medical problem that could later lead to a full stroke, which may have a much more serious impact on your overall health. Furthermore, the sooner you seek treatment, the more treatment options you have, and the better you can utilize prevention strategies that may help you protect your health. 

Make sure you work directly with a stroke specialist at a specialized stroke clinic. A stroke specialist can provide you with more information about your treatment options and health management. Furthermore, a stroke specialist will go through a full diagnostic regime to ensure that you know your risk factors and can recommend the right treatment for you, including medications to unblock arteries and procedures to remove plaque from your arteries. 

Reach Out to Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic

If you have shown signs of TIA or suspect that you have had a mild stroke, do not wait to seek help. Reach out to us to discuss your treatment options and receive the care you need. The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is a specialized stroke clinic and provides a full spectrum of neurointerventional treatments that seek to deal with stroke-related issues. There are personalized treatment plans for mild stroke to improve your quality of life. Contact us today to see how we can help you on your stroke journey with our programs including stroke screening, management, and prevention.

Stroke Resources

We’ve Got You Covered for Specialized Stroke Screening, Prevention, and Management

Imagine heart attacks where the blood flow to your heart is blocked. Similarly, a stroke occurs when the blood flow to your brain is interrupted becoming a “brain attack”. When blood supply does not reach a certain part, brain cells begin to die. Different types of stroke include ischemic strokes (blockage of blood vessel due to blood clot) or a mini stroke, a TIA (transient ischemic attack), with no permanent damage yet serious. Stroke also occurs when a blood vessel in the brain pops causing bleeding in the brain.

Certain areas of the brain can be affected by stroke and some symptoms of a stroke including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood sugar levels increase the risk of stroke whereas an active lifestyle or controlling high cholesterol reduces the risk. How well do you know stroke? Find tips to prevent and manage stroke, the differences in stroke screening tests, and the newer technology and treatments available. 

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The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various neurological conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our neurointervention specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.