inspiring canadians to live better.

healthing leaf

inspiring canadians to live better.

healthing leaf
mosquito-borne diseases affect up to 700 million people each year. learn more
powered by: valneva canada inc.

why you should never ignore a 'mini' stroke

the u.s. president's mysterious hospital visit has stoked stroke speculation.

by diana duong

sep 3 2020
read time 2 minute read
join the conversation
just because it's 'mini' doesn't mean you should ignore it

on tuesday, u.s. president donald trump says he did not have a “series of mini-strokes” after he made a mysterious, unscheduled visit to walter reed hospital in maryland last november. this, after a political analyst questioned whether or not the unannounced trip was because of a stroke.

https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/1300811758051954695
 

eight past u.s. presidents have had at least one stroke , one of which was fatal and another who kept it hidden. woodrow wilson suffered from a stroke in 1919 which left him partially paralyzed.

what is a mini stroke?

more accurately known as a transient ischemic attack (tia), this type of stroke happens when a blood clot or plaque buildup in arteries causes a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, spinal cord, or retinas.

although it can cause temporary stroke-like symptoms, such as numbness or muscle weakness — usually on one side of the body — slurred speech, dizziness, loss of balance, double vision or difficulty seeing, a tia will not damage brain cells or cause permanent disability. however, it is a serious warning that a person is at high risk of stroke, says the canadian heart and stroke foundation.

symptoms typically last less than one hour, usually less than 30 minutes and can be confused for seizure, migraine, tumour, vertigo, subdural hematoma (bleeding from traumatic brain injury), syncope (fainting or passing out, and amnesia.
powered by
canadian society for exercise physiology

advertisement

while patients generally recover from a tia, they still need to see a doctor immediately to identify the cause of the attack and to start treatment to prevent a stroke. tias most often occur days or even hours before a stroke. the highest risk is within the first 48 hours after a tia, and there is a 10 to 15 per cent risk of stroke within the first three months post-tia.
high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm), diabetes, and high cholesterol can put one at a higher risk of tia. the best way to prevent tias is to eat healthy, manage stress, and exercise for 30 minutes most days of the week.

dduong@postmedia.com | @dianaduo

don’t miss the latest on covid-19, reopening and life. subscribe to healthing’s daily newsletter coming out of covid.

comments

postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. we ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. we have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. visit our community guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.

you may also like
woman's hands pouring sugar in black coffee - girl sitting at the table with espresso and smartphone - blood and glycemic index control for diabetes -excess of white sugar in food concept
study links ingredient in artificial sweeteners to increased risk of heart attack and stroke
happy mother and daughter eat pizza in a cafe and having fun.
study links ultra-processed foods to increased risk of stroke and cognitive decline 
young woman wearing virtual reality headset when having therapy session
5 ways virtual reality is improving patient experiences and health outcomes
asian senior woman listening music with headphone at home
maximizing stroke recovery: the potential role of music therapy in rehabilitation
female hands in knitted mittens with snowy heart against snow background. love, winter and valentines day romantic creative concept with copy space for text
wear red day 2024: women still underdiagnosed and undertreated with heart disease, stroke
you may also like
woman's hands pouring sugar in black coffee - girl sitting at the table with espresso and smartphone - blood and glycemic index control for diabetes -excess of white sugar in food concept
study links ingredient in artificial sweeteners to increased risk of heart attack and stroke
happy mother and daughter eat pizza in a cafe and having fun.
study links ultra-processed foods to increased risk of stroke and cognitive decline 
young woman wearing virtual reality headset when having therapy session
5 ways virtual reality is improving patient experiences and health outcomes
asian senior woman listening music with headphone at home
maximizing stroke recovery: the potential role of music therapy in rehabilitation
you may also like
woman's hands pouring sugar in black coffee - girl sitting at the table with espresso and smartphone - blood and glycemic index control for diabetes -excess of white sugar in food concept
study links ingredient in artificial sweeteners to increased risk of heart attack and stroke
happy mother and daughter eat pizza in a cafe and having fun.
study links ultra-processed foods to increased risk of stroke and cognitive decline