During a tour of Santa Fe, Elisa Carrió, leader of the Civic Coalition-ARI, was the victim of a worrying health episode. The political leader decompensated and she had to be transferred to the Esperanza Sanatorium, where the doctors confirmed that admitted with symptoms consistent with cerebral transient ischemic deficit (TIA), also known as a transient ischemic attack. What is it about.
A TIA is a cerebrovascular disorder in which blood flow to part of the brain stops briefly. Unlike a stroke, the blockage quickly breaks and dissolves on its own, without causing permanent damage to brain tissue.
However, a TIA is a warning that a true stroke may occur in the future if preventative measures are not taken.
The US National Library of Medicine explained that the symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke and can last up to 24 hours. In most cases, the symptoms go away in one to two hours. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention at the onset of these symptoms, as the risk of future stroke increases in the days to months after a TIA.
The causes of a TIA can vary, but generally are related to blockage of blood flow in an artery that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the brain. The buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in the arteries, blood clots, and high blood pressure are major risk factors.
Treatment to prevent future episodes of TIA and stroke involves controlling risk factors. This can include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. Additionally, anticoagulant medications may be prescribed and surgeries performed in specific cases, such as carotid endarterectomy to unblock the arteries in the neck.
Elisa Carrió’s case generated concern and attention about the risks of cerebrovascular episodes. The political leader is under medical observation and is undergoing studies to determine the origin and nature of her condition.
What are the causes of a transient ischemic attack?
According to the specialized portal Mayo Clinic, loss of blood flow to an area of the brain may be caused by a buildup of fatty deposits that contain cholesterol (also called plaques) in an artery or one of its branches that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
Such plaques can decrease blood flow in an artery or lead to the formation of a clot. A blood clot that travels through an artery that carries blood to the brain from another part of the body, usually the heart, can also lead to a TIA.
High blood pressure is the main risk for TIAs and strokes. Other important risk factors according to the Mayo Clinic are:
Diabetes.
Family history of stroke.
Being a man.
High cholesterol.
Older age, especially after 55 years.
Physical inactivity.
smoking.
Use of alcohol or recreational drugs.
Cardiovascular disease.
Carotid artery disease.
Peripheral arterial disease.
sickle cell disease
High homocysteine levels.
Overweight and poor nutrition.
Covid-19.
What are the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack?
The symptoms, which are similar to those of a stroke, begin suddenly, last a short time (from a few minutes to one to two hours), and disappear. There is also the possibility that they will occur again later.
According to the American Stroke Association, the most common symptoms of a TIA are:
Weakness, numbness, or paralysis on one side of your body.
Difficulty speaking or difficulty understanding others.
Blindness in one or both eyes.
Dizziness.
Intense headache without apparent cause.