Lifestyle Changes to Help TIA Sufferers

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) occurs when blood flow to the brain stops temporarily. A TIA lasts only for a few minutes, wherein the body will experience symptoms that resemble those found early on in an stroke. A TIA is a common precursor to a stroke and you should seek immediate medical attention if you believe you’ve had one. This type of medical condition is best diagnosed by a neurologist. Complete Neurological Care provides diagnosis alongside TIA treatment, they also prepare patients with lifestyle changes designed to alleviate the effects, and lessen the likelihood of TIAs.

Why TIAs Happen

Old age, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can all increase your likeliness of suffering a TIA by affecting blood flow to the brain. There are three common blood flow changes caused by the different hereditary and lifestyle factors:

• A blood clot may detach and make its way towards the brain, and can end up blocking vital blood vessels in the brain.
• Major arteries to the brain have narrow areas may have low blood flow.
• Plaque deposits can cause a narrowing of the brain’s smaller blood vessels.

Symptoms

These typically disappear within an hour of the incident and vary in respects to the portions of the brain that are involved:

• Feeling off-balance or dizzy.
• A numbing, weakening or paralyzing sensation on one side of your body, with emphasis on your face.
• Problems speaking and understanding others.
• Impaired vision.

Diagnosis and Benefits of Complete Neurological Care

If you suffer a TIA, you should take it as a warning sign and consult a neurologist. Diagnosis comes through a series of specialized tests. An experienced neurologist will then provide effective TIA treatment that will help you alleviate the effects of an attack and help you regain any lost cognitive functions. With doctor approved lifestyle changes and physical therapy you can regain mobility, agility and decrease the likelihood of a stroke.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes may be accompanied by medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease or to help prevent blood clots. All TIA treatment will be specific to your condition.

• Diet: What you eat plays a major role in your circulatory system. You may have to give up foods high in saturated fats, like most fast food, because they may lead to clogged arteries. Foods high in refined sugar and bleached flour are other major culprits in the onset of TIAs
• Exercise: Physical activity is extremely helpful in preventing circulatory functions, but what exercises you should perform and for how long should be determined by a doctor with a thorough analysis of all of your medical conditions.
• Alcohol Intake: According to the American Heart Association (AHA), drinking too much alcohol leads to numerous complications including, but not limited to, high blood pressure, obesity and stroke.
• Tobacco Smoking: If you smoke cigarettes it is almost certain that you’ll be asked to give them up. Quitting tobacco will significantly improve many of your bodily functions, including blood flow to the brain. Luckily, there are many ways to quit smoking and your doctor will help you choose the best one for you.

According to the National Stroke Association, “40 percent of people who have a TIA will have an actual stroke,” and “Nearly half of all strokes occur within the first few days after a TIA.” That’s why it is essential for you to remember that experiencing the symptoms associated with TIA must be followed up immediately by a diagnosis from Complete Neurological Care. Through experienced TIA treatment and the appropriate lifestyle changes you will have a better chance to prevent future TIAs or strokes. Book an appointment today.