A stroke is a condition that occurs when a part of your brain gets limited or no blood supply. At such a time, your brain is deprived of oxygen and other vital nutrients it needs to function normally. In just a few minutes, the brain cells start to die.
What is a ministroke?
It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The sooner a patient gets help, the lesser will be the damage caused by the stroke. However, one can prevent and treat strokes these days.
Symptoms of a ministroke
One needs to watch out for a few signs. If you manage to identify it in the early stages, you can prevent the damage from getting worse. By being aware of these symptoms, one can tell if anyone around them might be having a stroke. The time frame inside which one needs to identify the condition is crucial for proper treatment.
- Difficulty in speaking
You may experience sudden confusion. It may result in slurring words and trouble with speech. This is one of the most common symptoms that victims of a ministroke exhibit. - Numbness and paralysis
A patient may experience sudden weakness or numbness in their leg, arm, and face. It generally occurs on only on one side of the body. One needs to try and see if they can raise their arms above the head at that time. If they find one arm falling, they might be having a stroke. One side of the mouth might also droop when they try to smile. - Difficulty in seeing
There are high chances that a patient may experience blurred vision suddenly. A patient may also have blackened vision. Some patients also see double when they have a ministroke. - A headache
A severe headache may occur. Other symptoms of a ministroke that come with this are dizziness, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. - Difficulty with walking
Due to the dizziness, a patient may stumble. Moreover, because of paralysis, one may experience a loss of coordination. It is best to keep the person off their feet at such times. - Behavioral changes
You might suddenly find the person exhibiting erratic behavior. It is one of the symptoms of ministroke one needs to keep in mind. - Memory loss
There may also be a possibility that the person has memory loss. If you feel that the person is being very forgetful or is unable to recognize things around them, you need to take them to a doctor immediately. - Trouble with swallowing
This is one of the early symptoms of a stroke. If the person expresses difficulty in swallowing food, you must act immediately.
When should one consult a doctor
If one observes any of the symptoms mentioned above, they need to consult a doctor immediately. Even if the symptoms come and go, they should schedule a visit to the closest medical center.
Here are some things that one should do if they feel that another person is exhibiting the early symptoms of a stroke.
- Ask the person to smile. If the person smiles with no issues, there is no risk.
- Make them raise their arms above their head. If he or she is unable to do so, it could be a symptom of a ministroke.
- Speech is another way to check if the person may be having a stroke or not. If one notices any slur or confusion in their speech, they need to take that person to a doctor.
- If the symptoms keep getting worse, one should call 911 immediately.
It is best not to delay treatment even if the symptoms stop. Every minute of delay might make the damage worse. Delay might even cause disability in the person. If you are with a person who is experiencing a stroke, stay with them and observe them constantly.
How can one treat the symptoms of a ministroke?
A person having a stroke needs to be taken to the emergency ward of a hospital. First, a specialist who is familiar and works with emergency cases will tend to the patient. Then, other doctors like cardiologists, radiologists, critical care specialists, and neurologists will check on the patient.
Lifestyle factors that cause a ministroke
Some common factors are observed in patients who experience a stroke. It is very important to ensure that these few factors are not a part of one’s lifestyle. In this way, one can reduce the risk of a ministroke.
- People who are overweight or obese face a higher risk of a ministroke. Overeating may also lead to a stroke in the long run.
- Lack of exercise can also lead to this condition. It is imperative to perform minimal physical activity every day.
- Drinking heavily on a daily basis is hazardous to one’s health and can lead to the symptoms of a ministroke.
- Usage of illegal drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine are other factors that may lead to a stroke.
It is best to live a lifestyle that does not lead to any harmful health condition. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are two factors that can help a person live a long and healthy life.
