No stroke is good, but there are some that are worse than others. That’s the case with a “ministroke,” also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which doesn’t present all of the telltale symptoms of a full-blown stroke and doesn’t lead to permanent brain damage.
However, it’s important to know if you’ve had a mini-stroke, because TIA can be a warning sign that a more serious stroke is on its way. Here are 12 facts about ministrokes you should be aware of…
1. What is a Ministroke?
SELF that a ministroke “is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain that does not result in permanent brain injury.” Unlike a “regular” stroke, which causes extended blockage of blood, a ministroke’s blockage will break up relatively quickly, usually less than 24-hours.
In essence, a blockage leading to a full-blown stroke need medical intervention, while a blockage causing a ministroke will clear up on its own. You may feel fine after a ministroke, but don’t take that as a reason to avoid seeing a doctor.