The chances of mini stroke increases with age and hence, elderly people are more prone to the same. Being aware of the symptoms and treatment of mini stroke can help one avoid and control strokes before they pose any threat to life.
Mini stroke, known as, transient ischemic attack in medical terms, is a health condition that occurs when blood supply to the brain is disrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen which may result in damage or death of the brain cells. According to medical definition, when a stroke lasts for less than 24 hours, causing temporary stroke symptoms, it is known as mini stroke. The blood supply to the brain is quickly restored and hence the person suffering from mini stroke may feel healthy once the symptoms disappear. But chronic and frequent mini strokes may signify life-threatening stroke attack which can have fatal effects.
The primary cause of mini stroke is blockage caused due to blood clot or clots in the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. As the person ages he or she becomes more vulnerable to a stroke but identifying the symptoms of mini stroke in the primary stage can help elderly people keep stroke at bay. The symptoms of mini stroke in elderly men and women are the same and to know more about them, read on.
Symptoms of Mini Stroke in the Elderly
As mentioned above, the symptoms of mini stroke in elder people are the same but women may also suffer from some gender specific symptoms as well. Given below are some of the mini strokes symptoms in elderly men:
- Weakness in the Body: A person suffering from mini stroke may experience temporary weakness or numbness in few body parts or in the entire body. A person may feel that he or she is paralyzed for few minutes or hours where he or she will not be able to move hands or legs.
- Speech Problems: A person may not be able to talk or communicate properly with other while suffering from mini stroke. If the braincells that control speech and language are damaged a person may not be able to speak completely as long as the stroke lasts.
- Loss of Body Balance: Many patients also complain of loss of body balance and muscle control during the mini stroke. This lack of body coordination can lead to sudden falls or accidents that may cause further damage to the person.
- Blurred Vision: As the stroke directly affects the brain it may happen that it damage the cells that monitor vision. This can result in vision problems such as, blurred vision by one or both the eyes. The feeling of not being able to see properly can be distressful and lead to further complications.
- Body Aches: Headache is one of the common complains reported by patients suffering from mini stroke. Apart from headache, some people also experience facial pain, back pain, and neck and chest pain during the stroke.
- Confusion: Some patients also report that they feel dizzy, confused, and vulnerable till the blood flow is restored. When the cells controlling memory are affected, a person may experience temporary memory loss due to confusion.
Apart from this, drooping face is also one of the common symptoms of mini strokes in elderly men. Now lest take a look at the treatment for mini stroke in the following paragraph.
Treatment for Mini Stroke
If one notices aforementioned symptoms it is suggested to seek medical help as soon as possible to stop the stroke symptoms from getting abbreviated and worst. In case the cause of the mini stroke is blood clot a person is prescribed with medicines and drugs that bust the clot resulting in smooth blood flow to the brain. The rare cause of stroke is hemorrhage, which means bleeding in brain, the patient is prescribed with medicines that control the bleeding. A person may also have to undergo various tests to diagnose the right cause of the mini stoke and the treatment is suggested accordingly.
Elderly people who smoke or consume alcohol are more prone to strokes and hence they are asked to quit smoking and drinking as treatment and prevention for mini stroke. Apart from this, elderly men with blood pressure problems, diabetes, family history, weight issues, high cholesterol levels, and cardiovascular diseases are at risk of suffering from stroke attacks including mini strokes. Following a health lifestyle, along with frequent routine check ups, can help one keep a stroke at bay.
