Keeping your blood flow in order is crucial to maintaining good health. Your blood flow handles carrying oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to your organs. Compromised blood flow to your brain can have devastating effects on your health. A transient ischemic attack is an interruption in blood flow to your brain. This condition can be sudden and life-threatening. But, several steps can help prevent a transient ischemic attack from happening. Here are the signs you should look for and what you can do to protect yourself.

Is TIA the Same As A Stroke?

Transient ischemic attacks are often called mini-strokes or warning strokes. Both conditions are similar as they both interrupt blood flow to the brain. But, TIA differs from a stroke because the symptoms don’t last as long as a stroke’s symptoms. Also, the blockages that cause TIA are temporary and leave no permanent damage. But, if you’ve suffered from TIA, it could mean that a stroke may happen soon.

What Causes TIA?

A primary cause of a transient ischemic attack is plaque buildup in the arteries. The buildup occurs in the area responsible for delivering oxygen to the brain. Plaque buildup can slow down blood flow and cause a blood clot to form and travel to the brain.

What Are The Symptoms of Tia?

TIA and stroke symptoms are similar. But the difference is TIA symptoms usually resolve after about an hour. Symptoms of TIA can include

• Slurred speech
• Loss of balance
• Paralysis on one side of the body
• Blindness

Although TIA symptoms don’t last long, you should still seek medical attention immediately.

How Can TIA be Prevented?

Contributors to TIA are poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and regular drinking. One of the most effective ways to avoid TIA is to watch your cardiovascular health.

Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, drinking less, and a healthy diet can help.

Working with your doctor can help you find the best treatment method to reduce your risk of TIA and stroke.

If you have questions about TIA, Suffolk Vein and Vascular Center can help. We serve the Port Jefferson Station, Hauppauge, and Riverhead areas. Schedule a consultation today by calling us at one of our 3 locations (631) 476-9100 (Port Jefferson Station), (631) 979-0222 (Hauppauge), or (631) 591-9003 (Riverhead).