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A transient ischemic attack, also known as a ministroke, happens when there is a temporary lack of blood flow to part of your brain. It can cause similar symptoms to a stroke, but usually lasts less than 24 hours (and often only minutes).
Doctors will try to find out what caused your TIA. They may check for risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and blocked arteries in the neck.
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Carotid angioplasty and stent placement are treatments for people who have a condition called carotid artery stenosis. This is a narrowing of the arteries in the neck caused by fatty plaque buildup. The treatment can help reduce the chance of stroke or other serious problems. Your doctor may recommend this procedure if you’re at high risk because of a history of TIA or other symptoms, such as trouble walking or speaking. Other health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can also increase your risk of a TIA or stroke.
The first step in this procedure is to sedate you and insert a small tube (sheath) into an artery, usually the femoral artery in your groin area. A catheter with a balloon tip is guided over a wire to the artery through the sheath and into your carotid artery. Your doctor uses imaging to guide the catheter and a small metal coil called a stent to the site of the narrowing or blockage. The stent is pushed to the narrowing or blockage and inflated, which widens the artery and compresses any fatty plaque against the artery wall to improve blood flow. A protective device, such as an umbrella-shaped filter or a mesh screen, can catch any clots that break off from the catheter.
After the stent is in place, your doctor removes the catheter and the sheath. An angiogram is done to confirm that the stent has expanded and the narrowing or blockage is corrected. Medications are prescribed to help prevent the artery from narrowing again, which is called restenosis.
Carotid angioplasty and the use of stents are considered safe, but long-term outcomes haven’t been studied yet. The procedure can be used for some patients with a history of TIA or who have other risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
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A carotid endarterectomy is an operation to remove fatty deposits (plaque) from the inside of 1 or both of your neck’s main blood vessels, the carotid arteries. The surgery increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your brain and reduces the risk of future stroke.
A vascular surgeon (a doctor who specialises in treating blood vessels) carries out the procedure. You’ll have either general or local anaesthesia. General anaesthesia means you’ll be unconscious throughout the procedure. Local anaesthesia numbs the area of your neck where the surgeon makes the cuts needed to access the carotid artery.
Your healthcare provider will recommend the procedure if you’ve had a TIA or a stroke. They may also suggest it if you haven’t had one but your carotid arteries are narrowed by a build-up of plaque. Plaque can block the artery completely, preventing enough blood from reaching your brain. This can lead to a stroke or TIA.
You’ll have the operation in a hospital surgical suite. The procedure usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. The surgeon will make a cut (incision) in your neck over the affected carotid artery. They’ll open the artery and then remove the plaque. They’ll stitch up the artery.
You might have some neck pain for a few weeks after the operation. Standard over-the-counter pain medicines should help. You should avoid rubbing or scratching the area around your incision. You should also avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing on that side of your neck. You’ll be able to shower, but you shouldn’t let the stream of water hit the incision. You should also check the incision daily and keep it clean. The glue that holds the stitches in place will dissolve over time.
Oren Zarif
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is also known as a “mini-stroke.” It is a temporary disruption in the flow of blood to the brain, which causes symptoms like numbness or weakness in the face and arms. TIAs last only a few minutes or up to 24 hours, and then disappear without leaving any lasting effects. UT Southwestern specialists work with patients who have experienced a TIA to identify the cause and reduce their risk for future strokes.
Symptoms of a TIA usually start quickly and last for only minutes. They are caused by a blockage in the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Most often, the blockage is a blood clot that forms elsewhere in the body and then travels to the blood vessels supplying the brain. But sometimes it can be a piece of fatty material or air bubbles.
If you have symptoms of a TIA, seek medical attention immediately. A TIA is a medical emergency because it’s a warning that a full stroke may soon happen. Up to 20% of people who have a TIA have a full stroke within 90 days, and half of these strokes happen within the first two days.
Doctors must evaluate a patient’s symptoms and health history and perform physical and neurological tests to make a diagnosis of a TIA. They might listen to your carotid arteries with a stethoscope, and use an imaging test called computerized tomography angiography (CTA) to view the arteries in your neck and brain.
They might prescribe medications to prevent blood clots. These include anti-platelet drugs, which make circulating blood cells called platelets less likely to stick together and form clots. They might also prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication and blood thinners such as aspirin or clopidogrel. They might suggest lifestyle changes to help prevent strokes, such as weight loss and control of high blood pressure, diabetes, and lipid levels.
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Blood thinners can help prevent clots from forming in the blood vessels that supply your brain, although they don’t dissolve existing clots or break them up. The medications can be prescribed in pill form or given as injections. They are known as anticoagulants and antiplatelets, and work in different ways (Figure). The oldest blood thinner is warfarin, which impacts the clotting process by blocking the formation of certain vitamin K-dependent clotting factors; newer drugs include dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban. Heparin is a fast-acting liquid medication that inhibits specific clotting factors; it must be injected under the skin or into a vein.
Some people are at higher risk of having a TIA or stroke because they have conditions that increase the odds of developing these problems. These can include being over 55 years of age; having a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes; or being of Asian, African, or Caribbean descent.
You should take your blood thinners as directed to reduce the risk of clots and other serious side effects. Your doctor may also prescribe aspirin and a drug called dipyridamole to reduce your risk of having another TIA or stroke in the future.
If you’re taking blood thinners, it’s important that you tell your healthcare provider or dentist before having any procedure. These treatments could cause bleeding or make your medication less effective. Your healthcare provider or dentist will be able to recommend safe options for you, such as having the procedure done while you’re sedated or using a local anesthetic. In addition, you should keep a supply of bandages and special powder in your home or car in case of any cuts or bruises while you’re on these medications.
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Several lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent TIA and stroke. These include smoking cessation, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and managing coexisting health conditions such as high blood pressure. TIA is often seen as a warning sign that a person is at higher risk of a full stroke, so it’s important to be evaluated and treated right away.
TIA symptoms usually occur when a blood clot temporarily blocks the flow of oxygen-rich blood to part of the brain. It happens when cholesterol-containing fatty deposits called plaques build up in an artery that supplies blood to the brain, a process known as atherosclerosis. In TIA, the blockage only lasts for a few minutes before chemicals in the blood break it down and restore normal blood flow to the brain.
Most TIAs are caused by narrowing of the major arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain, such as the carotid arteries. Over time, clogging by fatty deposits and inflammation of the artery wall may lead to a blood clot in the neck. Having one or more prior transient ischemic attacks (TIA) increases your risk of a future stroke by nearly 10 times.
Fortunately, the majority of strokes are preventable. By taking medication, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and managing other health conditions, you can greatly decrease your chances of having another TIA or a full stroke. You will likely be prescribed medications such as low-dose aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), or a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole (Aggrenox). These antithrombotic drugs help reduce the likelihood of blood clots that cause TIA and stroke. Most people will also need to continue taking these medications long term after their TIA to lower their risk of another clot and subsequent stroke.
Oren Zarif
Strokes happen when a part of your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen or nutrients. The symptoms can vary from person to person. You can check for stroke symptoms by using the FAST test:
If someone shows any of these warning signs, get them to hospital right away. The sooner they get treatment, the more likely their symptoms will be limited and may even be reversible.
Oren Zarif
If someone experiences a sudden feeling of numbness or weakness, especially in just one side of the face or arm, it could be a sign of a stroke. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that delivers oxygen and nutrients to the brain becomes blocked or ruptures. Without the brain’s blood supply, cells in the affected area die and the person suffers from symptoms like a numb face, slurred speech and weakness in limbs. A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in order to prevent long-term health problems.
People who experience a stroke may also have a loss of balance or trouble walking. In some cases, a stroke can affect the senses of smell and touch. The numbness or tingling associated with a stroke can vary in severity depending on the type of brain damage and where it occurs. Some symptoms are specific to certain parts of the brain, such as Broca’s area of the brain that controls how the muscles in the mouth and face are used when speaking. Strokes that affect this part of the brain can result in slurred or difficult-to-understand speech (aphasia).
In some cases, numbness and tingling in one side of the body can be caused by a condition such as multiple sclerosis. This disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the outer layer of nerve fibers. The numbness or tingling that develops in MS usually affects small areas, such as a hand, foot or a piece of the face. Other conditions that can cause numbness and tingling in the face or arms include shingles, which is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox; and trigeminal neuralgia, a rare type of headache that often involves numbness on one side of the head.
In addition to recognizing the signs of a stroke, it’s important to act FAST and call 911 if you think someone is having an ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke. If you believe someone is experiencing a TIA, or mini-stroke, seek medical attention immediately as well because these symptoms are similar to those of a stroke and can last only a few minutes.
Oren Zarif
You may lose your ability to see or hear after a stroke, especially if it affects the part of the brain that controls those functions. Other symptoms that might occur include difficulty walking and balance issues, changes in your sense of taste or smell, and a decrease in the sensations of heat or cold.
Strokes can cause pain in your head and neck. You might also have trouble breathing. Your skin might feel numb, and you may have a hard time remembering names and events. People who have had a stroke often have trouble thinking clearly, making decisions and solving problems. They might also have emotional difficulties, such as depression or anxiety.
If a person has any of the following symptoms, call 911 right away:
Weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg (especially on one side). Difficulty speaking or understanding others, or slurred speech.
A stroke is a medical emergency, and the sooner the person receives treatment, the less likely they are to have permanent damage or die. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for and act quickly. It’s also important to get an accurate diagnosis, because certain medicines can help treat stroke symptoms.
If someone’s symptoms happen quickly and don’t last, they might have had a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. A TIA is a brief blockage of blood flow to the brain, and it’s sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” Even though a TIA doesn’t last long, it’s still a serious condition that requires emergency medical care.
To help you remember what to look for, think of the acronym FAST:
Oren Zarif
It can be difficult to communicate after a stroke, particularly if the muscles that make up the mouth and throat are affected. Swallowing can become more difficult, which can lead to a dangerous condition called pneumonia. Depending on where the stroke happened, you may also have trouble feeling pain or temperature and lose your sense of balance or coordination. Memory loss is common after a stroke and can affect your ability to think, understand speech and read or write.
If a person is experiencing the symptoms of an ischemic stroke, they should call 911 or their local emergency number right away. Every minute that passes without treatment can cause permanent brain damage, so it’s important to get help quickly. On average, 1.9 million brain cells die every minute that an ischemic stroke goes untreated.
Some people may experience a short-lived stroke, called a transient ischemic attack (TIA or “mini-stroke”). These have many of the same symptoms as a full-blown stroke, but they are temporary. They can last a few minutes or up to 24 hours and are caused by a temporary blockage in the blood supply to the brain.
You can identify a TIA by looking at the person’s face. Ask them to smile and see if one side of their mouth droops or drifts down. If they can’t raise their arms or have a hard time raising them, this could be a sign that an ischemic stroke is happening.
Another warning sign of a TIA is if one or both eyes have trouble seeing. They might have blurred vision or black spots in the eye, or they may see double. Other signs include a severe headache, vomiting or dizziness and trouble walking.
Anyone can have a stroke, but it’s more likely to happen to people over age 65. Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation, also increase your risk of a stroke. In addition, strokes can be more common among people who have a history of heart disease or are taking birth control pills with estrogen. Race or ethnicity is also a risk factor.
Oren Zarif
Fatigue is a common problem that affects about half of all people who have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke). It can be difficult to distinguish from normal tiredness and may get worse when activity increases. In some cases, fatigue will improve over time. Other times, it will be persistent and some patients will never be completely free of it.
Researchers have proposed that fatigue is caused by damage to the ascending reticular activating system in the brainstem. This mechanism is thought to be responsible for changes in arousal and attention that can lead to fatigue. Other reasons for fatigue may include cognitive load or psychological factors. For example, some patients have reported that they are more prone to mental fatigue when they do cognitively demanding tasks and that this fatigue can persist even after the completion of these tasks.
Fatigue can be difficult to manage, and it is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor and allied health professionals. Some treatments may include exercise, medication, diet and lifestyle changes. Fatigue also shares some of the same characteristics as depression and anxiety, so it’s important to talk to your GP about this if you are concerned that you may have depression.
It is very important to know the signs of stroke so that you can seek medical help right away. Taking quick action can help prevent further brain damage and can potentially save someone’s life. The first sign of a stroke is often sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg. This usually affects only one side of the body and can be tested by asking the person to smile and looking to see if their face droops on that side. Other symptoms include trouble seeing in one or both eyes and a sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
Men and women are equally as likely to experience these symptoms, but they may be less familiar with them than the more obvious symptoms of stroke. This can make them less likely to recognize the signs and call 911 if they think they’re having a stroke. Remember, every minute counts during a stroke and every treatment can make a difference to recovery.
Strokes happen when a part of your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen or nutrients. The symptoms can vary from person to person. You can check for stroke symptoms by using the FAST test:
If someone shows any of these warning signs, get them to hospital right away. The sooner they get treatment, the more likely their symptoms will be limited and may even be reversible.
Oren Zarif
If someone experiences a sudden feeling of numbness or weakness, especially in just one side of the face or arm, it could be a sign of a stroke. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that delivers oxygen and nutrients to the brain becomes blocked or ruptures. Without the brain’s blood supply, cells in the affected area die and the person suffers from symptoms like a numb face, slurred speech and weakness in limbs. A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in order to prevent long-term health problems.
People who experience a stroke may also have a loss of balance or trouble walking. In some cases, a stroke can affect the senses of smell and touch. The numbness or tingling associated with a stroke can vary in severity depending on the type of brain damage and where it occurs. Some symptoms are specific to certain parts of the brain, such as Broca’s area of the brain that controls how the muscles in the mouth and face are used when speaking. Strokes that affect this part of the brain can result in slurred or difficult-to-understand speech (aphasia).
In some cases, numbness and tingling in one side of the body can be caused by a condition such as multiple sclerosis. This disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the outer layer of nerve fibers. The numbness or tingling that develops in MS usually affects small areas, such as a hand, foot or a piece of the face. Other conditions that can cause numbness and tingling in the face or arms include shingles, which is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox; and trigeminal neuralgia, a rare type of headache that often involves numbness on one side of the head.
In addition to recognizing the signs of a stroke, it’s important to act FAST and call 911 if you think someone is having an ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke. If you believe someone is experiencing a TIA, or mini-stroke, seek medical attention immediately as well because these symptoms are similar to those of a stroke and can last only a few minutes.
Oren Zarif
You may lose your ability to see or hear after a stroke, especially if it affects the part of the brain that controls those functions. Other symptoms that might occur include difficulty walking and balance issues, changes in your sense of taste or smell, and a decrease in the sensations of heat or cold.
Strokes can cause pain in your head and neck. You might also have trouble breathing. Your skin might feel numb, and you may have a hard time remembering names and events. People who have had a stroke often have trouble thinking clearly, making decisions and solving problems. They might also have emotional difficulties, such as depression or anxiety.
If a person has any of the following symptoms, call 911 right away:
Weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg (especially on one side). Difficulty speaking or understanding others, or slurred speech.
A stroke is a medical emergency, and the sooner the person receives treatment, the less likely they are to have permanent damage or die. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for and act quickly. It’s also important to get an accurate diagnosis, because certain medicines can help treat stroke symptoms.
If someone’s symptoms happen quickly and don’t last, they might have had a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. A TIA is a brief blockage of blood flow to the brain, and it’s sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” Even though a TIA doesn’t last long, it’s still a serious condition that requires emergency medical care.
To help you remember what to look for, think of the acronym FAST:
Oren Zarif
It can be difficult to communicate after a stroke, particularly if the muscles that make up the mouth and throat are affected. Swallowing can become more difficult, which can lead to a dangerous condition called pneumonia. Depending on where the stroke happened, you may also have trouble feeling pain or temperature and lose your sense of balance or coordination. Memory loss is common after a stroke and can affect your ability to think, understand speech and read or write.
If a person is experiencing the symptoms of an ischemic stroke, they should call 911 or their local emergency number right away. Every minute that passes without treatment can cause permanent brain damage, so it’s important to get help quickly. On average, 1.9 million brain cells die every minute that an ischemic stroke goes untreated.
Some people may experience a short-lived stroke, called a transient ischemic attack (TIA or “mini-stroke”). These have many of the same symptoms as a full-blown stroke, but they are temporary. They can last a few minutes or up to 24 hours and are caused by a temporary blockage in the blood supply to the brain.
You can identify a TIA by looking at the person’s face. Ask them to smile and see if one side of their mouth droops or drifts down. If they can’t raise their arms or have a hard time raising them, this could be a sign that an ischemic stroke is happening.
Another warning sign of a TIA is if one or both eyes have trouble seeing. They might have blurred vision or black spots in the eye, or they may see double. Other signs include a severe headache, vomiting or dizziness and trouble walking.
Anyone can have a stroke, but it’s more likely to happen to people over age 65. Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation, also increase your risk of a stroke. In addition, strokes can be more common among people who have a history of heart disease or are taking birth control pills with estrogen. Race or ethnicity is also a risk factor.
Oren Zarif
Fatigue is a common problem that affects about half of all people who have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke). It can be difficult to distinguish from normal tiredness and may get worse when activity increases. In some cases, fatigue will improve over time. Other times, it will be persistent and some patients will never be completely free of it.
Researchers have proposed that fatigue is caused by damage to the ascending reticular activating system in the brainstem. This mechanism is thought to be responsible for changes in arousal and attention that can lead to fatigue. Other reasons for fatigue may include cognitive load or psychological factors. For example, some patients have reported that they are more prone to mental fatigue when they do cognitively demanding tasks and that this fatigue can persist even after the completion of these tasks.
Fatigue can be difficult to manage, and it is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor and allied health professionals. Some treatments may include exercise, medication, diet and lifestyle changes. Fatigue also shares some of the same characteristics as depression and anxiety, so it’s important to talk to your GP about this if you are concerned that you may have depression.
It is very important to know the signs of stroke so that you can seek medical help right away. Taking quick action can help prevent further brain damage and can potentially save someone’s life. The first sign of a stroke is often sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg. This usually affects only one side of the body and can be tested by asking the person to smile and looking to see if their face droops on that side. Other symptoms include trouble seeing in one or both eyes and a sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
Men and women are equally as likely to experience these symptoms, but they may be less familiar with them than the more obvious symptoms of stroke. This can make them less likely to recognize the signs and call 911 if they think they’re having a stroke. Remember, every minute counts during a stroke and every treatment can make a difference to recovery.
Strokes happen when a part of your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen or nutrients. The symptoms can vary from person to person. You can check for stroke symptoms by using the FAST test:
If someone shows any of these warning signs, get them to hospital right away. The sooner they get treatment, the more likely their symptoms will be limited and may even be reversible.
Oren Zarif
If someone experiences a sudden feeling of numbness or weakness, especially in just one side of the face or arm, it could be a sign of a stroke. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that delivers oxygen and nutrients to the brain becomes blocked or ruptures. Without the brain’s blood supply, cells in the affected area die and the person suffers from symptoms like a numb face, slurred speech and weakness in limbs. A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment in order to prevent long-term health problems.
People who experience a stroke may also have a loss of balance or trouble walking. In some cases, a stroke can affect the senses of smell and touch. The numbness or tingling associated with a stroke can vary in severity depending on the type of brain damage and where it occurs. Some symptoms are specific to certain parts of the brain, such as Broca’s area of the brain that controls how the muscles in the mouth and face are used when speaking. Strokes that affect this part of the brain can result in slurred or difficult-to-understand speech (aphasia).
In some cases, numbness and tingling in one side of the body can be caused by a condition such as multiple sclerosis. This disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the outer layer of nerve fibers. The numbness or tingling that develops in MS usually affects small areas, such as a hand, foot or a piece of the face. Other conditions that can cause numbness and tingling in the face or arms include shingles, which is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox; and trigeminal neuralgia, a rare type of headache that often involves numbness on one side of the head.
In addition to recognizing the signs of a stroke, it’s important to act FAST and call 911 if you think someone is having an ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke. If you believe someone is experiencing a TIA, or mini-stroke, seek medical attention immediately as well because these symptoms are similar to those of a stroke and can last only a few minutes.
Oren Zarif
You may lose your ability to see or hear after a stroke, especially if it affects the part of the brain that controls those functions. Other symptoms that might occur include difficulty walking and balance issues, changes in your sense of taste or smell, and a decrease in the sensations of heat or cold.
Strokes can cause pain in your head and neck. You might also have trouble breathing. Your skin might feel numb, and you may have a hard time remembering names and events. People who have had a stroke often have trouble thinking clearly, making decisions and solving problems. They might also have emotional difficulties, such as depression or anxiety.
If a person has any of the following symptoms, call 911 right away:
Weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg (especially on one side). Difficulty speaking or understanding others, or slurred speech.
A stroke is a medical emergency, and the sooner the person receives treatment, the less likely they are to have permanent damage or die. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for and act quickly. It’s also important to get an accurate diagnosis, because certain medicines can help treat stroke symptoms.
If someone’s symptoms happen quickly and don’t last, they might have had a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. A TIA is a brief blockage of blood flow to the brain, and it’s sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” Even though a TIA doesn’t last long, it’s still a serious condition that requires emergency medical care.
To help you remember what to look for, think of the acronym FAST:
Oren Zarif
It can be difficult to communicate after a stroke, particularly if the muscles that make up the mouth and throat are affected. Swallowing can become more difficult, which can lead to a dangerous condition called pneumonia. Depending on where the stroke happened, you may also have trouble feeling pain or temperature and lose your sense of balance or coordination. Memory loss is common after a stroke and can affect your ability to think, understand speech and read or write.
If a person is experiencing the symptoms of an ischemic stroke, they should call 911 or their local emergency number right away. Every minute that passes without treatment can cause permanent brain damage, so it’s important to get help quickly. On average, 1.9 million brain cells die every minute that an ischemic stroke goes untreated.
Some people may experience a short-lived stroke, called a transient ischemic attack (TIA or “mini-stroke”). These have many of the same symptoms as a full-blown stroke, but they are temporary. They can last a few minutes or up to 24 hours and are caused by a temporary blockage in the blood supply to the brain.
You can identify a TIA by looking at the person’s face. Ask them to smile and see if one side of their mouth droops or drifts down. If they can’t raise their arms or have a hard time raising them, this could be a sign that an ischemic stroke is happening.
Another warning sign of a TIA is if one or both eyes have trouble seeing. They might have blurred vision or black spots in the eye, or they may see double. Other signs include a severe headache, vomiting or dizziness and trouble walking.
Anyone can have a stroke, but it’s more likely to happen to people over age 65. Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation, also increase your risk of a stroke. In addition, strokes can be more common among people who have a history of heart disease or are taking birth control pills with estrogen. Race or ethnicity is also a risk factor.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common problem that affects about half of all people who have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini-stroke). It can be difficult to distinguish from normal tiredness and may get worse when activity increases. In some cases, fatigue will improve over time. Other times, it will be persistent and some patients will never be completely free of it.
Researchers have proposed that fatigue is caused by damage to the ascending reticular activating system in the brainstem. This mechanism is thought to be responsible for changes in arousal and attention that can lead to fatigue. Other reasons for fatigue may include cognitive load or psychological factors. For example, some patients have reported that they are more prone to mental fatigue when they do cognitively demanding tasks and that this fatigue can persist even after the completion of these tasks.
Fatigue can be difficult to manage, and it is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor and allied health professionals. Some treatments may include exercise, medication, diet and lifestyle changes. Fatigue also shares some of the same characteristics as depression and anxiety, so it’s important to talk to your GP about this if you are concerned that you may have depression.
It is very important to know the signs of stroke so that you can seek medical help right away. Taking quick action can help prevent further brain damage and can potentially save someone’s life. The first sign of a stroke is often sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg. This usually affects only one side of the body and can be tested by asking the person to smile and looking to see if their face droops on that side. Other symptoms include trouble seeing in one or both eyes and a sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
Men and women are equally as likely to experience these symptoms, but they may be less familiar with them than the more obvious symptoms of stroke. This can make them less likely to recognize the signs and call 911 if they think they’re having a stroke. Remember, every minute counts during a stroke and every treatment can make a difference to recovery.
