Hello and welcome back to the ThreeSpires Physiotherapy blog where we take a look at all things physiotherapy and health related. In this article I thought we would  move back to the world of neurological physiotherapy and have a look at a very common neurological problem that affects a large number of people in the UK: a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) which  is often called a mini stroke.

What is a Transient Ischaemic Attack?

A Transient Ischaemic Attack otherwise known as a TIA or a mini stroke is a disruption of normal blood flow to the brain which causes symptoms very similar to a stroke, the majority of the effects resolve within 24 hours which is the reason for the "transient" part of the name.

What Causes a TIA?

A TIA is often referred to as a mini stroke and is caused by a reduction in blood flow (Ischaemia) to a particular area of the brain, this can be caused by a clot, blockage or bleed but unlike a full stroke symptoms will resolve in 24 hours or less. TIAs are often key indicators or risk factors for someone to go on and have a full blown stroke and it is therefore vital that if someone suspects they may have had a TIA they seek medical attention immediately.

What are the Symptoms of a TIA?

The symptoms of a TIA are the same as that of a full stroke and can include muscle weakness on one side, difficulties speaking or swallowing, visual disturbance, balance problems and altered sensations.

Who is at Risk of a TIA?

The risk factors of having a mini stroke are the same as those for having a full stroke. Most TIAs occur in an older population and the factors that make people more likely to have a TIA are those of general ill health such as heart disease, high blood pressure, smoking and obesity. In general to lower the risk of having either a stroke or TIA (mini stroke) one should aim to live as healthy a lifestyle as possible.

Treatments for a TIA:

A transient ischaemic attack is a medical emergency and initially anyone with a suspected TIA should be taken to A&E where they will have a full assessment with a medical team and usually have imaging of the blood vessels of the brain to try to locate any clot. After this initial period is over and doctors have assessed that the symptoms are resolving and it is not a full stroke, patients are usually sent home to recover.

As discussed, the majority of symptoms of a mini stroke or TIA will resolve within 24 hrs and there are no specific treatment options. Instead below we will have a look at some possible good ideas or strategies to consider when you have had a TIA.

How Can I Maximise Recovery After a TIA?

After being release from hospital and being diagnosed with a mini stroke it is important to have a think about what you can do to make sure that you help yourself recover and possibly lower your risk of having a full stroke.

1. Physiotherapy: Despite symptoms from a TIA resolving within 24 hours it can be helpful to have an assessment by a neurological physiotherapist in order to determine if there have been any changes in muscle strength, balance or sensation that need working on. There may have been some minor changes in co-ordination, balance or fine motor skills that have not been picked up by the hospital. A physiotherapist will be able to work with you and create a programme of exercises targeted at improving these areas.
2. Dietician: a TIA (mini-stroke) should be seen by everyone as a wake up call to look at their diet and lifestyle. If you are overweight or eat unhealthily then it will be necessary to change these factors if you wish to reduce your risk of having a full stroke. Seeing a dietician can help with this.
3. Lifestyle: if you smoke, drink too much and have high blood pressure this is the time to think about changing things. As I have said, having a TIA is the first step on the road to having a full stroke which can be incredibly disabling and life changing.
4. Exercise: there are clear guidelines about the amount of exercise that everyone should do as a weekly minimum (2.5hrs moderate intensity exercise each week) and most people do not achieve. Having had a TIA you should now think about getting fit and healthy and doing more exercise.

I understand that the above section could feel like a rant and that someone is telling you off (if you are reading this after a TIA). However, I personally am a physiotherapist and I have seen the effects of a stroke with many people and seen how severely it can affect them and their loved ones and I really do feel strongly that we should all be doing what we can to avoid having a stroke. If you have had a TIA then there is still time to make a change and reduce your risk of having a major stroke and losing a large part of your independence by making some small changes such as doing some exercise, stopping smoking and eating healthily.

Okay, hopefully you have found this article about transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) otherwise known as mini-strokes informative. For anyone reading this blog who hasn't come across our site before: we are a home visit physiotherapy service, based in Lichfield but serving anywhere within a 25 minute drive including areas such as Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Cannock, Burton and Rugeley. Our physiotherapists can come out and visit you at home to discuss general exercise and improvements in fitness and health regimes that you may wish to make after your TIA. Physiotherapy following a TIA will aim to improve strength, co-ordination, balance and flexibility and is guided by your symptoms.

We also offer a wide range of other physiotherapy services including paediatric physiotherapy, post-operative rehabilitation, neurological physiotherapy and neck and back pain relief. If you need further information or would like to book an appointment we can be contacted on 0788 428 1623 or via  enquiries@threespiresphysiotherapy.co.uk