Mini-Strokes

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to mini-strokes including topics such as tia prevention, symptoms of a mini-stroke, and cause of mini-strokes. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

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Description of Articles in Mini-Strokes

A mini-stroke is a sudden event in which the blood supply to the brain is interrupted for a short time. As this eMedTV segment explains, the symptoms of a mini-stroke often last less than 30 minutes, while those of a stroke last for at least 24 hours.

The cause of mini-strokes may involve an embolism or thrombosis blocking an artery with a blood clot. This eMedTV page explains how a blockage or narrowing of a blood vessel can cause a mini-stroke.

Transient ischemic attack, or TIA, risk factors include such things as smoking and being male. This eMedTV page provides an in-depth discussion of risk factors for TIA, such as having high blood pressure, being African American, and having diabetes.

Symptoms of a mini-stroke tend to occur suddenly and may include trouble seeing, dizziness, and confusion. This eMedTV article describes symptoms of a mini-stroke, which may last for up to 24 hours, but frequently go away in less than 30 minutes.

In the case of a transient ischemic attack, or TIA, diagnosis may involve blood tests, CT scans, and MRIs. This eMedTV resource looks at the process of diagnosing a TIA -- from the first questions doctors may ask to tests used in diagnosis.

For people who have had a mini-stroke, treatment often involves lifestyle changes (such as losing weight). This eMedTV resource discusses treatment for a mini-stroke, which may also include drugs to help prevent blood clots.

TIA prevention usually involves lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and exercising regularly. This eMedTV Web page discusses strategies for preventing a TIA, which may also involve medications (such as aspirin) as well as certain procedures.