The brain is a kind of control center of the whole body, so its damage often turns into a fatal outcome or severe consequences. Transient ischemic attack is a disorder of the brain functions, which can last from 2 minutes to 24 hours and end with a stroke.
Causes of transient ischemic attack
The described condition arises from temporary damage to the cerebral circulation.
The main cause of the attack is atherosclerosis of the cerebral arteries (large and medium caliber), as well as the main vessels. At the same time, atherosclerotic plaques are formed with changes in the reparative and destructive nature, atherooblation is observed, atherostenosis, atheroembolia, atherothrombosis. There are also structural changes in the blood vessels.
Another common factor that provokes a transient attack is arterial hypertension. Constantly increased pressure leads to the fact that the vascular wall changes irreversibly (hyalinolysis) and thickens due to fibrin deposits on its inner surface.
About 20% of all ischemic attacks are caused by the following pathologies:
- rheumatic heart damage;
- cardiopathy;
- atrial fibrillation;
- endocarditis;
- myocardial infarction;
- aneurysms;
- calcification of the mitral valve;
- prolapse;
- Congenital heart defect;
- aortic stenosis ;
- dissection of arteries (stratification);
- primary vascular disorders of inflammatory genesis;
- gynecological changes (after childbirth, during pregnancy);
- fibro-muscular dysplasia;
- Moya-Moya syndrome.
Symptoms of transient ischemic attack of the brain
The clinical manifestations of the pathology in question depend on which vascular pool was damaged.
Signs of transient-ischemic attack in case of carotid infringement of blood circulation of carotid arteries:
- paralysis of limbs or the whole body, half of the face;
- deterioration of sensitivity;
- disorders of the speech apparatus (aphasia, dysarthria, mutism);
- changes in visual acuity, blindness to one or both eyes;
- decrease of intellectual abilities;
- worsening of higher nervous activity.
Symptoms of attack in the lesion of the vertebrobasilar basin:
- shaky walk;
- systemic dizziness;
- tremor;
- uncoordinated movements;
- nystagmus;
- disturbances of respiratory activity;
- loss of consciousness.
As in the previous case, there is paralysis, a decrease in visual, speech, intellectual functions, lack of sensitivity in the limbs or in the whole body.
Consequences of transient ischemic attack
The main complication of this condition is ischemic stroke of the brain with the subsequent formation of stable neurological defects:
- mental disorders;
- inability to move;
- dysarthria (speech impairment, inarticulate pronunciation of spoken words).
In many cases, repeated attacks lead to death.
Treatment of transient ischemic attack
As a rule, one can not predict the further progression of the described pathology, therefore emergency hospitalization of the victim is performed. Treatment of transient ischemic attack is performed in the hospital of the neurological department and consists in the following:
- Reception of antiaggregants and anticoagulants of direct and indirect action (Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Dipiridamol).
- Use of antiarrhythmic drugs and means to lower blood pressure (on the second day after an ischemic attack).
- The use of neuroprotectors and nootropic substances.
- The appointment of thrombolytic injections to dissolve the deposits that clogged the artery.
Prevention of transient ischemic attack
Prevent this pathology by reducing risk factors, by taking medications that reduce blood viscosity (acetylsalicylic acid, Cardiomagnesium). It is also recommended to drink statins, disaggregants and antihypertensives (if necessary).
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and carefully monitor the diet, avoiding the use of excess cholesterol .