A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a ministroke or mild stroke, is a brief episode of stroke-like symptoms.
It is caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain and typically does not result in long-term damage. A ministroke usually lasts only a few minutes.
Individuals are more likely to experience a TIA if a family member has had one or a stroke.
Men are somewhat more prone to TIAs or strokes than women, and the risk increases with age, particularly after the age of 55. However, as women age, their risk of stroke also rises.
However, it is important to keep in mind that strokes can happen to anyone, at any age.
The best way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from a stroke is to understand the risk factors and how to control them.
Follow New Sarawak Tribune’s brief interview with Nornasheila Ahmad Zaidi, a mid-30s career woman, as she discusses how she was unexpectedly diagnosed with this illness.
Q: When were you diagnosed with a ministroke, and what was the cause?
A: I was diagnosed with a stroke on March 1 of this year and was hospitalised for eight days at the Sarawak General Hospital. During my stay, I had four CT scans of my head, but no blood clots were discovered. However, the third and fourth scans revealed a stroke pattern, indicating that high blood pressure was the cause. I had previously been diagnosed with high blood pressure and am still receiving treatment for it. I need to take my medication every day, but occasionally I forget.
Did you have any symptoms before experiencing a mild stroke?
The day before the incident, I experienced sudden dizziness, nearly fainted, and felt weakness on the left side of my body. Although none of the symptoms lasted for more than five minutes, I hurried to the hospital. By the time I arrived at the hospital, I felt normal again, but I spent the night in the emergency zone under the doctor’s observation before suffering a mild stroke the next day.
How do you handle it when the doctor informs you that you have suffered a mild stroke?
I felt that my future was going to be dark, which made me incredibly anxious, depressed, and disappointed. In the blink of an eye, my physical ability was taken away. However, I tried to accept it with an open heart and was determined to heal by following the advice of my doctor, nurses, husband, family, and friends. Even though I still feel disappointed, I choose to hold out hope for a recovery.
What other measures do you take to help yourself recover apart from minimising stress?
Every week, I go to the hospital for occupational therapy and physiotherapy. I have also purchased various devices, such as a robotic hand and a stimulator machine, to aid in my at-home recuperation. Additionally, I learned how to exercise through YouTube. To relieve stress, I occasionally go out with friends, watch movies, and engage in other leisure activities. Stress, depression, and unstable emotions are common among stroke patients, and I am not exempt from this. When it occurs, I read books, recite the Quran, and listen to music to help me relax. I also try to limit my interactions to my spouse and immediate family members.
What is the most valuable lesson you learned from this incident?
It is critical to look after our physical and emotional wellbeing. If you are worn out from working, take some time to relax and don’t push yourself too hard. Sometimes we are so fatigued that we are unaware of it. The most crucial thing is to seek treatment as soon as you sense a problem with yourself. The best things you can do to prevent a ministroke are to be aware of your risk factors and practice a healthy lifestyle. Remember that leading a healthy lifestyle also entails scheduling routine checkups with your doctor.
