A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, causing symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the limbs, difficulty speaking, blurred vision, or loss of balance. These symptoms typically last only a few minutes to less than 24 hours and then disappear completely.

Doctor Nguyen Tan Sang from the Neurology Department of the Neuroscience Center at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, explains that a TIA is a warning sign of a potential stroke and should not be taken lightly. If you experience symptoms of a TIA, you should take the following 4 steps.

Consult a neurologist

Even if the symptoms have disappeared, do not attempt self-monitoring at home. Consult a neurologist promptly. This allows the doctor to determine the cause, assess the risk level, and develop an appropriate treatment plan to prevent stroke.

For an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a clinical examination, review your medical history, and order imaging tests. Advanced equipment like 1.5-3 Tesla MRI machines, 1975-slice or 100,000-slice CT scanners can evaluate, screen, and detect minor injuries or abnormalities in the brain, heart, and blood vessels. This helps differentiate between cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, or vascular malformations. The patient may also undergo carotid artery ultrasound, electrocardiogram (ECG), or blood tests to identify underlying causes such as blood clots, blood lipid disorders, atrial fibrillation, or other risk factors.

A 3 Tesla MRI scan helps detect early vascular abnormalities. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

A 3 Tesla MRI scan helps detect early vascular abnormalities. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Take preventive medication as prescribed

After diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe antiplatelet medications, blood pressure control medication, blood lipid-lowering medication, or anticoagulants if the patient has atrial fibrillation (a type of heart rhythm disorder). Adhering to the prescribed medication regimen, taking the correct dosage, and not discontinuing medication without consulting the doctor helps reduce the risk of TIA recurrence or stroke. In severe cases, the doctor may perform endovascular intervention to place a stent or surgically remove plaque from the carotid artery if there is severe arterial stenosis.

Adjust diet and lifestyle

Maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet to prevent stroke. Regular physical activity improves cerebral blood circulation, stabilizes blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol and blood sugar. Individuals who have experienced a TIA should engage in light exercises such as walking, cycling, yoga, or swimming for at least 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week.

The diet should be low in salt, limited in sugar and saturated fats, and rich in green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and omega-3-rich fatty fish. Patients should also quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, get enough sleep, and manage their weight to maintain the health of blood vessels and the nervous system.

Manage underlying medical conditions

According to Doctor Sang, after a TIA, individuals with a history of hypertension, diabetes, blood lipid disorders, or atrial fibrillation need regular check-ups to ensure their health indicators are within safe limits. The doctor may adjust medication or recommend further tests if necessary, based on the assessed risk of progression.

Individuals who have experienced a TIA require monitoring for at least the first three months. If any unusual signs reappear, such as severe headaches, slurred speech, difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness in the limbs, weakness on one side of the body, blurred or double vision, or loss of balance, seek immediate medical attention or go to a reputable medical facility with stroke emergency services for prompt treatment to avoid dangerous complications.

Phuong Thy