Tuesday, April 30, 2024

TIA Ministrokes Can Lead to a Major Stroke! Pay Attention to the Symptoms

 
Three years before he died, my husband had a major stroke while playing golf.  He was rushed to the hospital, treated quickly, and had minimal lasting effects from it.  However, we did not realize at the time that this would be the beginning of many more such events. Over the next few years, he suffered through a number of mini-strokes or TIAs.  In his case, they often took the form of losing his vision in one eye for a few minutes.  Because of other medical problems he had, the doctors were limited in the ways they could treat him, and they could not put him on blood thinners. After one of his mini-strokes, a year after that first major one, a surgeon cleared out his right carotid artery, although that was a dangerous surgery for my husband.

Meanwhile, all we could do was keep track of his blood pressure, limit the salt in his diet, and try to minimize the frequency of these mini-strokes.  We also attempted to learn everything we could about these small strokes.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), often referred to as a "ministroke," is a medical condition that demands immediate attention and understanding. While it may seem less severe than a full-blown stroke, TIAs should not be taken lightly. Let's explore what a TIA is, its symptoms, causes, and available treatments.

What is a TIA (Ministroke)?

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), commonly called a "ministroke," occurs when there is a temporary disruption of blood flow to a part of the brain. Unlike a full-blown stroke, which frequently causes permanent brain damage, a TIA usually resolves itself within minutes to hours, leaving no lasting damage. Sometimes, people do not even realize they have had one. However, it is essential to recognize them, as they can often be a warning that a more severe stroke may be imminent.  Looking back, I have often wondered if we missed the signs of mini-strokes which might have occurred before my husband's major stroke.  He often complained of headaches, visions problems, and vertigo.  Could that have been the beginning?  I'll never know.

Symptoms of TIA

The symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke but are temporary and typically last for a short period, usually less than 24 hours. Common TIA symptoms include:

Sudden Weakness or Numbness: This may affect the face, arm, or leg, often on one side of the body.

Difficulty Speaking or Understanding Speech: TIAs can cause slurred speech or difficulty in finding the right words.

Loss of Coordination or Balance: Patients may experience unsteadiness or difficulty in walking.

Vision Problems: Blurred or double vision, sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or difficulty seeing clearly may occur.

Severe Headache: A sudden, severe headache might develop in some cases.

My husband suffered from all four of the above symptoms, and they would happen suddenly, without warning.  Often they happened when we were simply relaxing, watching television together.  At other times, they happened when he was pushing himself to use his walker to get into a doctor's office.  Those events sometimes caused him to fall. 

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Causes of TIA

The root cause of a TIA is a temporary disruption in blood flow to the brain, usually caused by one of the following factors:

Atherosclerosis: The buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in the arteries can lead to narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain. This is what they believed was causing the mini-strokes which my husband experienced. 

Blood Clots: A blood clot can form and temporarily block an artery in the brain.

Emboli: Small clots or debris from elsewhere in the body can travel to the brain and block a blood vessel.

Vasospasm: Spasms in blood vessels can constrict and temporarily reduce blood flow to the brain.

Cardiovascular Conditions: Conditions like atrial fibrillation, heart valve disorders, and heart infections can increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to TIAs.

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Treatment and Prevention

Prompt medical attention is crucial when experiencing any type of stroke symptoms, including TIA symptoms. Even though the symptoms may resolve on their own, the underlying causes need to be addressed to prevent a full-blown stroke. Treatment options include:

Medications: Doctors may prescribe anti-platelet drugs (e.g., aspirin) or anticoagulants (blood thinners) to reduce the risk of blood clots.

Surgery: In some cases, surgical procedures such as carotid endarterectomy (to remove plaque from the carotid artery) or angioplasty (to open narrowed arteries) may be recommended.

Lifestyle Changes: 

Patients are often advised to make lifestyle changes such quitting smoking, adopting a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Medication for Underlying Conditions: Treating underlying conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol can help reduce the risk of future TIAs.

Conclusion

While TIA symptoms may be temporary, they should not be ignored. TIAs serve as crucial warning signs for potential future strokes, which can be debilitating or fatal. Seeking immediate medical attention, understanding the underlying causes, and adopting preventive measures can greatly reduce the risk of experiencing a full-blown stroke. In the face of TIA symptoms, quick action can make all the difference in preserving your health and well-being.  

Check out the sources at the end of this article to learn more about ministrokes.  In addition, talk to your health care provider about any symptoms you may have, no matter how minor they may be.

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Sources:

Mayo Clinic: The Mayo Clinic website provides comprehensive and up-to-date information on TIA symptoms, causes, and treatment. You can find information at www.mayoclinic.org.

American Stroke Association: The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, offers valuable resources on strokes and TIAs. Visit their website at www.stroke.org.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS): NINDS, a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), provides detailed information on TIAs and related research. You can explore their content at www.ninds.nih.gov.

WebMD: WebMD is a reputable health information website that covers a wide range of medical topics, including TIAs. Their page on TIAs can be found here.

You Can Also Learn More from Your Healthcare Provider: Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or neurologist for personalized information and guidance regarding your specific health condition and any recent developments in the field of stroke and TIA management.

Please verify the most current information from these sources or consult with a healthcare provider for the latest updates on TIA symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

If you are interested in learning more about saving money, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

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Monday, April 15, 2024

Expand Your Home and Welcome Family Members

 

With the high cost of housing in much of the United States (as well as other countries), many people are looking for ways to accommodate more family members in their existing properties.  Whether your new college graduate has returned home (but unhappy living in their childhood bedroom), or your aging parents are no longer able to live on their own, you may be wondering how you can find a way for multiple generations to live happily together in one house.  

There are many more choices available today than in the past.  In fact, some home builders are building new homes which contain a private apartment with a separate entrance for other additional relatives. I have a friend who moved into her own separate apartment in her adult daughter's home, and it has worked out well. She loves having a separate life, while being close to her daughter and grandchildren. However, if you do not want to sell your current home and move to a new location, how can you make the best use of the home and property you currently own?  Here are some ideas to get you started.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Many cities have now altered their zoning laws to allow people to build an accessory dwelling unit on a single family lot.  This has resulted in a new industry of "tiny homes" which even be purchased on sites like Amazon or from companies like Home Depot, although you have to arrange to have someone pour a slab or build a foundation, in advance, and then finish out the interior.  

Some people who are skilled at do-it-yourself work, can finish out the structures on their own.  However, most of us will need to hire a contractor to finish these buildings, including hooking up the plumbing and electricity.  

These small, backyard homes, sometimes called "granny flats" can be the perfect solution for a young adult who has returned home, or for an older family member who wants to live close to the family, but cannot afford to buy a home in the same neighborhood.  Depending on the size and amenities, they can be built and finished for about $60,000 to $250,000.

Creating a Guest Suite Inside Your Current Home

If you do not have a backyard large enough to accommodate an additional housing unit, you may be able to carve out an apartment inside your existing home.  For example, do you have an unused bedroom, dining room or formal living room next to a bedroom with a bath?  With a little redesigning, you could convert this combination into a nice little private apartment inside your current home.  Add a separate entrance and a little kitchenette, and everyone could have both the independence and the privacy they want, at an affordable price.  Many such conversions can be done for under $25,000 to $30,000, depending on how elaborate they are. 

Garage Conversions into Housing Units

If your zoning laws permit it, you may be able to convert a garage into a secondary housing unit.  This is more likely to be allowed if the garage is detached.  However, in some circumstances, even an attached garage might be converted into a cozy 300 sq. foot apartment for a family member.  Since a garage already has easy access to electricity, and plumbing is probably not too far away, the conversion could be less complicated than building an entirely new building.  The amount you spend depends on the current condition of the garage, and how fancy you wish to make it.  However, it can be a convenient way to accommodate additional family members. 

Basement Conversions

Even when I was a young woman living in the Midwest in the 1960s and 1970s, many parents set up space in their finished basement for an adult child to have their own space.  This choice is better suited to young adults, because of the stairs.  However, a healthy older person might also be able to navigate a staircase.  If the basement has an outdoor entrance, this can be particularly appealing, since it will allow for them to come and go, or entertain friends, without the need to walk through the main living area upstairs.  This is a great solution for a young adult who is just starting out and trying to save money for their own place.  In addition, many families have already finished out at least part of their basement, plus the electricity and plumbing is already available, and it may take very little effort to turn the space into a cozy apartment. 

Get Professional Design and Construction Help

Once you realize that it is possible to carve out some unused space within your home, garage, basement, or backyard for a separate apartment or housing unit, it is smart to get some professional help.  You will want to maximize the space, give everyone a sense of privacy, and make sure the new housing unit has safety features, especially if it is going to accommodate someone who is aging.  Ask about things like grab bars in the shower, or a walk-in bathtub.  You may want to have an intercom system between the two housing units, or a fall alert system.  The safer the new housing unit is, the more comfortable everyone will be. 

Include Study Area or Workspace

In addition to making sure that your new living quarters have space for cooking, eating, sleeping and watching television, make sure it also includes a small office space for studying or working.  Many people are able to work from home today.  Even if they do not officially work at home, almost everyone needs access to WiFi and plenty of electrical outlets for their computer and charging all their electronic devices. Whether the space is intended for a young adult starting out in life, or a senior citizen, it is important to make sure their living quarters have everything they need, including a workspace.  If you can accommodate a favorite hobby, or space for plants, a pet, or other activities, they will be even happier and more comfortable during the time they live there.

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You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com