How to Recover From a Mini-Stroke

A mini-stroke is actually a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is similar to a "regular" stroke, but is does not last as long and does little if any long-lasting damage to the body. A mini-stroke can give you some indication that you may have an actual stroke later in life. One out of three people who suffer from a mini-stroke will experience a standard stroke, sometimes in less than a year of the TIA. In most cases, the best form of recovery from a mini-stroke involves treatment to prevent an actual stroke.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Consult a doctor. If you've suffered a mini-stroke, you should talk to a doctor, as this medical condition may be a "warning sign" that you will face an actual stroke later in life. Your doctor can put into place the proper treatment and recovery plan to care for your health and condition.

2. Start taking aspirin after experiencing a mini-stroke. According to the Mayo Clinic, the use of aspirin is more so a treatment than a form of recovery for a mini-stroke. This nonprescription medication can actually help keep the platelets in your blood from sticking together and causing clots to form, which could elicit an actual stroke. Consult your doctor before taking aspirin, as it may interfere with other medications you are taking.

3. Change your diet. To fully "recover" and lessen the potential of an actual stroke, your doctor may recommend that you change your diet, reducing the amount of sodium, cholesterol and fat while increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables.

4. Start getting more exercise. Another form of treatment after a mini-stroke is an increased amount of exercise, most likely on a daily basis. This can improve your overall health and keep your weight in check (a risk factor) as well as reduce your blood pressure (another risk factor).

5. Quit smoking. If you smoke and have suffered from a mini-stroke, this is an indication that it's time to quit. You may want to discuss your quitting options with your doctor to come up with the best plan to fit your lifestyle.

6. Limit your alcohol consumption. Another method of recovery and care of a mini-stroke is limiting (or stopping) your alcohol consumption. According to the Mayo Clinic, the maximum amount of alcoholic beverages you should consume is one drink for a woman and two drinks for a man.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes, surgery is indicated to clear the carotid arteries of any deposits or build-up that caused the mini-stroke and could potentially cause an actual stroke.

References

• Mayo Clinic. (2009). "Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)." Retrieved on May 12, 2009.

Resources

• Additional Information on "Mini Strokes"
• Cleveland Clinic: Transient Ischemic Attack

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[dorigillman]

on 5/25/2009 good tips.