O attack transient ischemic (AIT) it is an episode of neurological dysfunction caused by temporary ischemia. Ischemia is nothing more than an inadequate flow of blood to a specific part of the body, being, in the case of TIA, an impairment of blood flow in the nervous system.
TIA is a serious problem that deserves attention, as it can precede the stroke ischemic. TIA and ischemic stroke are distinguished by the fact that TIA reverses spontaneously after, generally, less than an hour, while signs of ischemic stroke remain for a time equal to or greater than 24 hours.
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Brief on transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a transient problem caused by focal ischemia of the brain, spinal cord or retina in the absence of acute infarction.
Age over 60 and problems such as high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension are risk factors for TIA.
Numbness on one side of the body, decrease or change in speech, change in vision, vertigo and loss of sensation are symptoms of TIA.
TIA symptoms, although transient, should not be ignored.
TIA is one of the main risk factors for triggering an ischemic stroke.
What is transient ischemic attack?
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is “a transient episode of neurological dysfunction caused by focal ischemia of the brain, spinal cord, or retina in the absence of acute infarction,” according to with definition of the Assistance Guideline — Transient Ischemic Attack of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.
In TIA, what is observed is a temporary ischemia, that is, one artery is temporarily blocked by a thrombus, causing the blood not to flow properly in that region. This temporary picture is popularly known as an "initial stroke".
We can differentiate a TIA from an ischemic stroke due to the fact that in a TIA there is a spontaneous reversal of the problem, usually in less than an hour. In the case of stroke, there is a clinical picture with persistent signs, which last 24 hours or more.
Risk factors for transient ischemic attack
Although TIA can occur in anyone, some risk factors are considered, such as:
age above 60 years,
arterial hypertension,
high levels of cholesterol,
diabetes,
overweight,
obesity,
alcohol consumption,
smoking,
sedentary lifestyle, between others.
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Symptoms of transient ischemic attack
TIA can cause some symptoms, such as:
numbness on one side of the body;
decrease or change in speech;
visual change;
vertigo;
loss of sensitivity.
These symptoms usually last less than an hour and are very similar to those of a stroke. However, despite being transitory, it is essential to seek medical attention, as this event is considered a medical emergency.
Why should we pay attention to transient ischemic attacks?
TIA is one of the main risk factors for triggering an ischemic stroke. It is estimated that TIA may precede stroke in about 9.4% to 26% of patients, with the risk being increased in the first five years after the attack and very high in the first days after the event. In the first 48 hours after TIA, the individual has a chance of more than 10% of having an ischemic stroke.
Due to high risk of developing a stroke, it is very important not to ignore the TIA, being fundamental an immediate preventive treatment of this problem. The correct and quick diagnosis can be fundamental to avoid complications and even the individual's death.
Diagnosis of transient ischemic attack
TIA is diagnosed through the analysis of the symptoms presented by the patient and carrying out complementary exams. Among the tests that can be requested by the doctor, blood tests, electrocardiogram and skull tomography stand out.
Treatment of transient ischemic attack
Due to the high risk of triggering stroke, TIA should be treated as a medical emergency. After a thorough assessment of the case, the patient should be observed for the first 24 to 48 hours, depending on the case. In addition, administration of antiplatelet agents is recommended to reduce the risk of stroke and control risk factors. The patient should also be guided about the symptoms of the stroke, so that the recognition of this event is done quickly and help can be sought immediately.
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/saude/ataque-isquemico-transitorio-ait.htm