Mild Stroke

A mild stroke differs greatly from a massive stroke. Often the signs of a mild stroke will be ignored and unfortunately this can lead to worsening symptoms and eventually a more severe stroke. Symptoms of stroke should not be ignored. Although symptoms may seem mild at first, they can worsen with time and each succeeding mini-stroke.

Symptoms

Normally the first thing someone will notice is a change in sensation. Usually this will involve the sense of touch. If the numbness is on the side that has been affected by the stroke, it can slow down the potential for rehabilitation. Often the injury most frequently associated with the loss of sensation is burns. Extra care needs to be taken with the person who has a loss of sensation in their limbs.

A loss of balance or equilibrium may also occur. If a person exhibits these effects, they often cannot right themselves and can be injured. It can also be as simple as bringing a glass to the mouth from the table. Usually it will be an overreaction and the arm will flex more than necessary.

Paralysis is very easy to recognize. Initially it may be simply a weakness on one side of the body. If ignored, it can increase from weakness to paralysis. If the stroke is a mild stroke, weakness is usually as far as it goes.

Mood changes are very common after any type of stroke. Their emotions can run amuck. There is the possibility of inappropriate crying or laughing. Families, friends and coworkers can be very upset by these outbursts. Unfortunately, the patient knows that the responses are inappropriate at times and can become aggressive or severely depressed as a result.

Dysphasia can also occur. This is especially true when a stroke affects the left side of the brain. Initially there may be some slurred speech and eventually to understanding speech, but not being able to speak. It can lead to the inability to understand speech as well. This does not normally occur with a mild stroke.

Short term memory loss is also possible.

It is extremely important to recognize the signs of a mini-stroke when they occur and to not let them go untreated.

Any sudden numbness, difficulty seeing, problems walking , confusion or severe headache are signs that you may need to seek medical attention. Diagnosis is made by a thorough history of the manifestation of the symptoms and by physical examination. The physical exam will determine if further imaging is necessary.

Doppler studies, CAT scans and EEG's are some of the commonly used tests to determine whether the patient has had a stroke and to determine whether it is ischemic (most common type. Prevents blood from getting the the brain), or hemorrhagic which is the result of a blood vessel bursting in the brain. This is usually due to a weakening in a blood vessel within the brain.

The area of the brain that is affected will determine the signs that manifest themselves.

By: Popa and Kasey Woolsey

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Popa Woolsey writes articles about mental and physical fitness.His articles are widely published including 58 countries world wide. Mini Stroke, TIA , National Stroke Association