Mini strokes, also called transient ischemic attacks (TIA), start like strokes but do not have any lasting side effects and usually resolve within one hour. Because approximately 33 percent of the people who have mini strokes eventually have more severe strokes, proper treatment for mini strokes is important. Treatment for mini strokes can include drug therapy or surgical intervention that can prevent more serious strokes in the future.
Drug Therapy
The goal of drug therapy in treating mini strokes is to prevent the likelihood of a stroke in the future. According to the Mayo Clinic, the two types of drugs that are frequently prescribed to treat mini stroke are anti-platelet drugs and anticoagulants. Anti-platelet drugs keep the platelets from sticking together and forming clots. Aspirin is an anti-platelet drug that is inexpensive and has very few side effects. Prescription anti-platelet drugs include Aggrenox and Ticlodipine. Anticoagulants work to prevent blood clots from forming by affecting clotting-system proteins. Heparin can be used for a short period of time and Warfarin (Coumadin) can be used for long-term anticoagulation. Patients on either of these drugs need to be carefully monitored and be prepared for the possibility of easy bruising or bleeding.
Surgical Intervention
The Mayo Clinic lists carotid endarterectomy and carotid angioplasty as the procedures that are most often used to treat mini stroke surgically. When the carotid artery has moderate or severe narrowing, carotid endarterectomy may be recommended. This procedure allows fatty deposits to be cleared from the carotid artery so that a TIA or stroke can be prevented. During this procedure, the artery is opened with a surgical incision so that the atherosclerotic plaque can be removed. Once the artery is clear of these deposits, it is closed and the patient is able to recover from the procedure. Carotid angioplasty may also be recommended. During this procedure, the carotid artery is opened using a device that is like a balloon. A small wire tube called a stent is inserted into the artery to help to keep it open and prevent TIA or stroke in the future.
Lifestyle Changes
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are several lifestyle changes that can reduce the chance of acute stroke. Diet and exercise are important for keeping mini stroke victims in good health. Weight loss may be necessary to reach a healthy weight and maintain it. If a mini stroke victim has high blood pressure, it should be treated to prevent additional mini strokes and reduce the chances of having a stroke in the future. People who have had mini strokes should also avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption.
Tags: mini strokes, mini stroke, carotid artery, stroke future, artery opened, carotid endarterectomy