A mini-stroke, also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is briefly blocked. It causes symptoms similar to a regular stroke, but they usually last only a few minutes and go away within 24 hours.
Even though the symptoms are short-lived, a mini-stroke is a serious warning. It means there is a strong chance a major stroke could happen in the future if action is not taken.
Knowing what causes a mini-stroke is very important because it can help you take steps to prevent a bigger, life-threatening stroke later on.
One of the main causes of a mini-stroke is a blood clot. Blood clots can form in arteries that have become narrow because of fatty deposits called plaques. These clots can block the blood flow to the brain either by forming in the neck or brain arteries, or by traveling from other parts of the body.
For example, people who have an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation are at higher risk because blood clots can easily form in the heart and move to the brain. A study from 2020 published in the Journal of Neurology pointed out that heart-related clots are a big risk factor for mini-strokes.
Another cause is narrowing of the blood vessels themselves. A condition called atherosclerosis happens when fatty deposits clog up the arteries, making it harder for blood to pass through.
If a plaque breaks open, it can trigger a clot that completely blocks the artery. Research shows that keeping cholesterol and blood pressure under control can slow down the buildup of plaques and lower the risk of both mini-strokes and full strokes.
High blood pressure is another major factor. When blood pressure is too high, it can damage the blood vessels, making them weaker and more likely to become blocked or to burst. A study in the American Journal of Hypertension found that controlling blood pressure with healthy habits and medication can greatly reduce the chance of a mini-stroke.
Diabetes also raises the risk. People with diabetes are more likely to develop plaques in their arteries and form dangerous clots. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels over time. Research published in Diabetes Care stresses the importance of managing blood sugar to protect blood vessels and lower the risk of a mini-stroke.
Lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and not getting enough exercise also play a big role. Smoking damages blood vessels and makes blood more likely to clot.
A review in the journal Stroke found that healthy habits like quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, staying active, and drinking alcohol only in moderation can greatly lower the risk of a mini-stroke.
If you ever experience symptoms like sudden confusion, trouble speaking, a severe headache, dizziness, or loss of balance, you should seek medical help immediately—even if the symptoms go away quickly. Quick action can uncover the cause and prevent a bigger stroke from happening.
In short, mini-strokes are an important warning that should never be ignored. Blood clots, damaged arteries, high blood pressure, diabetes, and unhealthy habits are the main causes.
The good news is that by making healthy lifestyle changes, managing medical conditions properly, and working closely with your doctor, you can reduce your risk of a mini-stroke and protect your brain health for the future.
If you care about stroke, please read studies that diets high in flavonoids could help reduce stroke risk, and MIND diet could slow down cognitive decline after stroke.
For more health information, please see recent studies about antioxidants that could help reduce the risk of dementia, and tea and coffee may help lower your risk of stroke, dementia.
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