Stroke microstroke symptoms and treatment. Initial diagnosis of stroke at home

There is no official term for a microstroke, but even people with a medical background often use this name for a special pathological condition. As a rule, a microstroke is understood as a transient (transient) violation of cerebral circulation. Symptoms, similar to clinical signs, spontaneously disappear within 1 day. In some cases, signs of a microstroke are present for only a few minutes, and the patient often may not even suspect that there has been a short-term cerebrovascular accident. In the event that the characteristic neurological symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or progress, then the patient is officially diagnosed with a stroke. Due to impaired blood supply to the brain tissue, point damage develops. Since the pathological process affects very small areas of the structure, there are no violations characteristic of the "classic" stroke. It is possible to identify a micro-stroke once suffered only retrospectively during a post-mortem examination of brain tissues.

Reasons for the development of a microstroke

In most cases, this pathology develops against the background of cerebral blood vessels. Plaques characteristic of this disease cause blockage of the lumen of the small branches of the arteries that feed the brain. Some parts of the tissue begin to suffer from hypoxia (oxygen deficiency), which leads to small-point pathological changes in the structure.
Often, microstrokes accompany severe somatic diseases, the symptoms of which “mask” the signs of transient circulatory disorders. The probability of the development of y is very high, especially if they take place. In such cases, small hemorrhages (hemorrhages) usually occur. Neurological symptoms characteristic of strokes in some cases develop in parallel with the "clinic" of myocardial infarction, which causes difficulties in diagnosis. It is even customary to single out the cerebral form of a heart attack. It is characterized by the dominance of neurological signs, and an accurate diagnosis can only be made after taking an electrocardiogram. Against the background of cardiac arrhythmias, the development of microstrokes occurs according to the ischemic type. As a result of arrhythmia, the smallest thrombi can form in the left atrium, the size of which, however, is quite sufficient to block the branches of the cerebral arteries. Transient ischemic attack stops as adequate blood supply is restored. Also, heart rhythm disturbances often lead to a significant drop in blood pressure, which also significantly worsens the blood supply to certain parts of the brain. The risk of microstrokes is extremely high in people suffering from the following diseases:

  • vasculitis (inflammation of the walls of blood vessels);
  • rheumatism;

These pathologies are characterized by more or less pronounced damage to the vascular walls. Note:the risk is very high in people who are overweight or diagnosed, as well as in smokers and people who abuse alcohol. The likelihood of developing a microstroke increases with physical inactivity (a sedentary lifestyle) and high weather sensitivity.

Signs of a microstroke

With a microstroke, the symptoms are not always characterized by specificity. Many patients attribute them to changes in atmospheric pressure, weather changes, physical or psycho-emotional and chronic fatigue. The first signs of a microstroke are:

  • dizziness;
  • the appearance of "flies" before the eyes;
  • different intensity;
  • general weakness and malaise;
  • nausea.

Among the neurological clinical signs of a microstroke in both women and men also include:

  • hypersensitivity to bright light and loud sounds;
  • drowsiness;
  • temporary decrease in visual acuity;
  • numbness of the face and (or) limbs;
  • state of "stupefaction";
  • brief disturbance of consciousness;
  • slurred speech;
  • hearing impairment;
  • more or less pronounced disturbances in coordination of movements (including an unsteady gait;
  • a sharp increase or, conversely, a drop in blood pressure.

Most often, the classic signs of a microstroke develop in men. The patient may have far from all the symptoms, but only some of them, but 4-5 signs are already quite enough to make a diagnosis. Violations resolve on their own within a few hours or even minutes. note:the appearance of neurological signs is a very formidable signal. Almost 50% of people who have had a microstroke are later diagnosed with a large-focal brain lesion, i.e., a stroke. The first signs of a microstroke in women may be atypical. Women aged 18 to 40 have a higher risk of cerebrovascular accidents compared to men of the same age group. Often, signs of the development of disorders are better visible from the outside. Others should be wary if a person began to speak incoherently or suddenly fell silent, began to stutter and drop objects. The interlocutor may stop responding to the appeal to him. The patient may be in a state of prostration and look like a drunk.

Treatment of a microstroke

Important:if there are signs that allow you to suspect the development of a microstroke, you should immediately call an ambulance team. Remember that neurological symptoms may indicate the development of a large focal stroke or mask a heart attack. Before the arrival of the doctor, the victim must be provided with complete rest, put him with a raised head. In the room you need to provide an influx of fresh air. It is best to remove tight clothing or at least unbutton the collar to make breathing easier.
At home, it is recommended to make a hot foot bath, and let the patient take it inside (hawthorn or valerian extract). A light massage of the head and neck area will help to slightly reduce the symptoms. If a microstroke is detected, measures should be aimed at treating the underlying disease, which could cause a transient circulatory disorder. All patients require a complete examination. According to the indications, the attending physician can prescribe drugs from the group of antiplatelet agents (reducing the risk of thrombosis), nootropics (improving metabolism in the brain), as well as vasodilators (to dilate blood vessels) and drugs that reduce blood pressure.

What to do after a microstroke?

After a microstroke, you need to completely stop smoking and drinking alcohol, try to consume only healthy food and think about the normalization of work and rest. If the work is associated with constant physical exertion or psycho-emotional stress, then it is better to change the occupation. It is advisable to undergo medical examination at the place of residence at least once every 3 years. Timely identified health problems will prevent relapses and the development of more serious pathologies. The attending physician may prescribe remedies for recovery that cleanse the body and normalize metabolic processes. Important:several transferred microstrokes can cause the development of irreversible disorders. It is not excluded the decrease in intelligence up to dementia (dementia). To get more detailed information about the symptoms, signs of a microstroke and methods of treating this pathology, watch this video review.

There is no official medical term for "mini-stroke". But this is exactly what doctors call a brain stroke, accompanied by small hemorrhages and minimal foci of necrosis. It is they who indicate the development of a pathological condition.

Despite the low degree of brain tissue damage, treatment and recovery after a microstroke is no different from the treatment of the classical course of a hemorrhagic or ischemic form.

Treatment of a microstroke

A microstroke, treatment and recovery after which is carried out according to standard protocols for all types of stroke, is a rather serious condition, so taking various groups of medications becomes an obligatory part of rehabilitation.

The following drugs are prescribed for both men and women:

    1. Thrombolytics. Means prevent the formation of blood clots and promote blood thinning. Taking drugs from the group of thrombolytics is an excellent prevention of the development of a recurrent stroke. Acetylsalicylic acid, Clopidogrel, Ticlopidin can be prescribed for admission.
    2. Anticoagulants. Promote blood thinning and prevent thrombosis. The most commonly used are Heparin, Fraxiparin.
    3. Vasoactivators. They improve the functioning of the central nervous system, contribute to the expansion of vascular lumens, and also improve cerebral circulation. "Propranolol", "Pyrroxan" are prescribed for admission.
    4. Low molecular weight dextrans. They are used in violation of peripheral circulation, if necessary, decompensation of heart failure. Most often, "Reopoliglyukin" is prescribed.
    5. Hypotensive. Medications are designed to lower high blood pressure. In the outpatient period, they are prescribed according to indications. Captopril, Nicardipine can be used.
    6. Neuroprotectors and nootropics. These medicines stimulate metabolism, and also improve the processes of nerve cell repair. Improve the tone of the walls of blood vessels and blood flow. Taking drugs from these groups significantly increases the patient's chances for a full recovery. Cerebrolysin, Piracetam, Semax are prescribed for admission.
    7. Drugs that improve metabolism, and angioprotectors. They are used to restore the functionality of blood vessels, tone capillaries, eliminate edema, and normalize the course of metabolic processes. The most commonly prescribed drugs include Phlebodia 600, Troxevasin.
    8. Vitamin complexes. During the rehabilitation period, the patient must be prescribed vitamins.

The drugs prescribed for the treatment of a microstroke are selected by the attending physician, based on the general condition of the patient.

Recovery after a microstroke

Recovery after a microstroke should be carried out comprehensively. In addition to taking medications, the patient is recommended to follow a diet and daily regimen.

Important! If desired, a person can supplement drug therapy with folk remedies.

Diet

Recovery after a microstroke at home provides for adherence to the principles of dietary nutrition.

Products must undergo complete heat treatment. It is best to use boiling and stewing. Meals should be fractional - up to 5 times a day - in small portions. This will reduce the load on the organs of the digestive system and improve the absorption of nutrients.

During the day, you need to drink at least 1.5 liters of water. A sufficient amount of fluid consumed speeds up the process of removing toxic substances.

List of allowed and prohibited products

After suffering a microstroke, the following products should be present in the patient's diet:

  • fresh vegetables and fruits;
  • lean meats;
  • cereal soups (based on buckwheat, oatmeal, rice) and vegetable broths;
  • porridge with milk;
  • fermented milk products - are a mandatory group of products that must
  • be present in the diet of a person recovering from a stroke;
  • lean fish;
  • honey (recommended for daily use, as it improves brain function).

From the menu it is necessary to completely exclude:

  • fried/spicy foods;
  • salinity, conservation;
  • pasta;
  • granulated sugar, confectionery;
  • tomatoes;
  • smoked meats;
  • sweet carbonated drinks;
  • coffee and caffeinated drinks (they can provoke a sharp jump in blood pressure and the development of a second stroke).

Compliance with the diet is an important condition that greatly speeds up the healing process and prevents the development of undesirable consequences.

Advice! If a microstroke gave complications in the form of a violation of the processes of chewing and / or swallowing, then food should be served in a liquid or puree-like consistency.

Phytotherapy

You can restore the body after an apoplexy (hemorrhagic stroke) with the help of traditional medicine recipes.

It is recommended to perform self-massage of the affected arms / legs (movements must go strictly from the bottom up), the cervical spine. The following types of essential oils are used for the procedure (the recommended number of drops is dissolved in 55 ml of any vegetable oil, for example, olives):

  1. Sage (7-8 drops). Improves nerve conduction, memory, local blood flow. It is desirable to combine massage with the use of sage infusion - 1 tbsp. l. of dried flowers, brew 210 ml of boiling water, leave for 60 minutes, drink 50 ml four times a day before meals. You can also take baths. Duration of bathing - 20 minutes, course - 15 baths every other day.
  2. Rosemary (5-6 drops). It improves local blood circulation, the mental state of the patient, normalizes the state of the nervous system, stabilizes blood pressure indicators.
  3. Thyme (6-7 drops). It is used as an antidepressant and normalizes local blood circulation.

Advice! Before going to bed, you can light an aroma lamp using essential oils of lemon balm, geranium or lavender. They help calm the nervous system, making it easier to fall asleep.

Patients, including elderly patients, are allowed to practice taking herbal infusions and decoctions:

  • Mix the roots of wormwood (60 grams), peony (40 grams), black root (10 grams), motherwort grass (40 grams), cyanosis (40 grams), backache (40 grams). Pour a large spoonful of the mix with hot water (1.5 cups) and cook at a minimum boil for 10 minutes. Let it brew for 20 minutes, filter. The infusion should be drunk during the day in several doses strictly before meals.
  • Wash pine cones (5 pieces), pour alcohol (210 ml) and leave for 2 weeks in the dark. Pour into weakly brewed tea 1 tsp. Take 1 time per day.
    Pour 5 cones with water (510 ml) and cook after boiling for another 7 minutes. Filter. Take 50 ml after meals. To improve the taste of the drink, you can add a little honey to it. Course - 30 days. Break - 10 days, and you can repeat the treatment.
  • Dry peony roots (1 tsp) pour vodka (310 ml). Insist 7 days. Filter and drink 25 drops three times a day. The duration of the course is a full calendar month. Break - 10 days, and repeat the reception.

Before starting home therapy, you should consult with your doctor.

Mode

Rehabilitation after a stroke at home provides for compliance with the daily routine. A faster recovery can be achieved by adhering to the stability in his routine, that is, getting up in the morning, eating and sleeping should always fall at the same time.

If a person's work is associated with constant physical and psycho-emotional stress, it is recommended to change the profession.

After a microstroke, it is necessary to completely abandon the use of strong and weak alcoholic beverages, as well as smoking. In addition, a person should regularly undergo a medical examination at the clinic to which he is territorially attached.

Advice! If there is an opportunity to go to a specialized sanatorium, then you should not refuse it.

The consequences of a microstroke are not as severe as in its classical course. And subject to all the recommendations of the doctor, a person is able to fully recover.

There is no microstroke as a separate concept in official medicine. The International Classification of Diseases, even in the tenth revision, did not introduce it as a separate disease. This is not accidental, since there is a well-established diagnosis - a stroke, which clearly defines cerebrovascular accidents.

However, in reality, both doctors and patients widely use the term microstroke. A natural question arises: what criteria can be used to determine the difference between a stroke and a micro-stroke or a mini-stroke? Maybe the size of the brain damage? But this is a very illusory criterion - what to measure, in grams of the affected area or in volume?

Neurologists say correctly - either there is a stroke, or it is not. Most likely, the concept of a microstroke came into use in connection with the development mechanism (as it happens and the time of exposure) and the ability of a person who has been attacked on the human brain to recover. A classic stroke causes incomparably more damage.

So the brain is the most critical of the entire human body regarding oxygen starvation (this is hypoxia). The consequences of insufficient oxygen supply to brain cells occur almost instantly. After 8 - 12 seconds, a person loses consciousness, and after 20 - 30 seconds, he may fall into a coma.

It is the heart that supplies oxygen to the brain cells through the circulatory system ( ). Given the importance of the brain in the human body, it is here that 20% of the minute volume of blood is sent. Moreover, if problems arise in the circulatory system (for example, a sharp drop in pressure), the blood supply to the limbs is turned off (without them, a person will survive) and the blood flow is redirected to the maximum to feed the brain (cerebral necrosis is the end of the body).

The nature of a microstroke is associated with the occurrence of problems with small vessels that feed certain parts of the brain. The vessels there are very thin and, for example, when it narrows (a blood clot begins to form), the hemoglobin protein is not able to “squeeze” through the remaining open space, as a result, oxygen does not reach the cells. Or, for some reason, there was a sharp narrowing of the same vessel (ischemic microstroke), which also leads to problems with cell nutrition.

Although there is no concept of a microstroke in official medicine, everything that happens falls under the diagnosis of transient cerebrovascular accident (TCV), which is the official diagnosis for the described conditions. A transient (otherwise transient) disorder develops suddenly, lasts a short time and affects a small focus of the brain. The process is always reversible, in fact, for this reason, it was called transient.

Nevertheless, it should be remembered that, although the changes do not have time to go to the stage of complete death of damaged cells, the short-term cessation of the supply of blood (oxygen) to the cells does not go away just like that.

Very important! Yes, the “stroke” signs disappear, but medical statistics show that almost 40% of those faced with MI can get not only a recurrence, but in the worst case, a full-scale vascular accident in the next 3 years.

Violation of cerebral circulation can be fixed by the following three diagnoses:

  • transient ischemic attack;
  • cerebral hypertensive crisis;
  • acute hypertensive encephalopathy.

One of these diagnoses can be entered into your medical book if you come to the doctor and talk about your feelings, which are similar to the symptoms of a microstroke. In fact, often people do not pay attention to what happened, linking the symptoms with, for example, the end of a hard day's work, with fatigue. After all, a transient violation does not cause significant damage and the cells quickly restore their performance.

The doctor at the reception is not able to accurately determine whether you suffered a microstroke or not, since the consequences of the event are hidden. Only a stationary examination, a computed tomography of the brain can say exactly what happened and what are the consequences. In any case, if a micro-stroke (especially a stroke) is suspected, hospitalization of the patient is necessary, since time plays against it.

Output: A microstroke is, in practice, the same stroke, only with its development, less significant vessels are affected and the consequences are less catastrophic.

Causes and risk factors for the development of a microstroke


A microstroke has almost the same causes as a classic stroke. Here is a list of prerequisites for a microstroke:

  • vascular atherosclerosis; known to all atherosclerotic plaques, which are especially dangerous to the vessels of the brain due to their small diameter. Everything is interconnected in the cardiovascular system of the human body and the state of the vessels is a derivative of coronary heart disease.
  • hypertension, which is “honored” by more and more young people. Particular attention should be paid to those hypertensive patients who have frequent crises. They say where it's thin, it breaks there. This phrase can be attributed to a microstroke, because under the influence of increased pressure, the thin vessels supplying the brain can just break through. This is especially dangerous in the case of specific inflammation of the walls of blood vessels, under the influence of which the walls in some places become thinner.
  • microstroke is considered to be hereditary. That is, the parents had problems along the line of the cardiovascular system (especially for parents who had a heart attack).
  • congenital or acquired diseases of the cardiovascular system (IHD, atrial fibrillation, possibly undergoing surgery to replace heart valves).
  • an important cause of the development of a microstroke is diabetes (especially type 2). Sharp fluctuations in blood sugar greatly wear out the vessels, which is manifested in the appearance of foci of thinned walls.
  • the appearance of a tumor, hernia, which is able to compress blood vessels and even arteries is also dangerous.
  • women should be alert to the possibility of being diagnosed with MICC due to the use of oral contraceptives.
  • bad habits may not spare even a student at the session (age is not a hindrance), who drank and smoked. Tobacco smoking has a very negative effect on the tone of the walls of blood vessels, causing them to spasm (read the story below).
  • excess body weight (especially for people with a sedentary lifestyle) is the strongest provoking factor for the occurrence of problems with blood vessels.
  • unhealthy in the diet is the excessive consumption of animal fats in the diet. The key word here is immoderate, since fats are still necessary.
  • a sharp change in climate during business trips; accommodation of shift workers in conditions of severe frost, which provokes an increase in blood pressure.

Important! Summarizing the reasons for the possible development of a microstroke, it should be said that the main role is played by lifestyle, the concept of which includes many of the above. At the same time, age is not a determining factor - the diagnosis of PNMK can be obtained both at the age of 70 and at 18.

Signs and symptoms of a microstroke

signs

However, there are more pronounced signs of a looming problem. These manifestations must be taken seriously.

Here are some signs to look out for:

      • the appearance of a sensation of “crawling” under the hair on the head and on any part of the skin of the face, a burning or tingling sensation. This condition is called paresthesia. A short-term violation of cerebral circulation leads to a “failure” of the nerve ending, which leads to “goosebumps”.
      • short-term feeling of muscle weakness in the arm or leg.
      • sudden loss of sensation in an area of ​​the skin.
      • the occurrence of a headache, accompanied by an increase in blood pressure along with dizziness. This is a typical combination of signs of a microstroke.
      • short-term visual impairment. The feeling is that the field of view has sharply narrowed and moved to the center. Blurred image around the edges.
      • the leg or arm becomes uncontrollable. This condition is called paralysis.
      • facial expressions go into an uncontrollable state. This is especially true for the mouth. The corner drops (twists) and it is impossible to smile.
      • speech is impaired. The person tries to say something coherently, but fails.
      • more obvious signs are associated with the appearance of seizures, vomiting, nausea and confusion.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a microstroke can manifest themselves in such a way that you can endure a microstroke on your feet with the possibility of misunderstanding getting a full-fledged stroke. Above, we have already determined that we are dealing with a transient cerebrovascular accident (TCI), which, according to the type of violation, is represented by three options.

Cerebral hypertensive crisis

This type of PNMC is the most common. 2/3 of patients with symptoms of a microstroke receive this diagnosis. As the name of the diagnosis implies, it is a consequence of a hypertensive crisis, which occurs due to a violation of the autoregulation of the blood supply to the brain.

There are two options for the development of a crisis:

      • blood pressure rises sharply, which leads to venous plethora, followed by hyperfusion of brain tissue and cerebral edema.
      • a gradual increase in pressure, which causes a response in the form of a narrowing of the arteries of the brain, which, in turn, leads to hypoxia (oxygen starvation of neurons).

People react to the development of a crisis in different ways. The main manifestations include the following:

      • headache (bursting or throbbing)
      • dizziness
      • nausea and vomiting
      • noise and ringing in the ears
      • convulsions
      • mild impairment of consciousness.

Measuring the pressure at the time of the crisis, we see high numbers.

Transient ischemic attack

Often, a transient ischemic attack is abbreviated as TIA. The main cause of the attack is called atherosclerotic vasoconstriction, blockage of blood vessels by emboli or thrombotic masses.

The development of this type of transient disturbance of cerebral blood flow is similar to the development of ischemic stroke. The only difference is in the time of closure of the vessel and the consequences: with TIA, the situation lasts from a few seconds to 3-4 minutes, the symptoms simply disappear without a trace at the end of the situation. Ischemic stroke, on the other hand, lasts much longer than the time that neurons can live without a supply of blood (that is, oxygen). The time for their death is approximately 4 - 6 minutes. The process is not reversible.

TIA is characterized by focal symptoms:

      • parts of the body may become numb
      • one of the limbs may be affected by paralysis or muscle weakness
      • visual impairment
      • hearing loss
      • speech disorder
      • manifestation of facial asymmetry
      • seizures
      • some areas of the skin may lose sensitivity.

All these symptoms characterize the appearance of problems in some areas of the brain. However, during an attack, the symptoms quickly pass and may remain completely unnoticed in everyday life.

Acute hypertensive encephalopathy

Untimely elimination of high blood pressure will lead to the progression of circulatory disorders in the brain, which will lead to the release of the liquid part of the blood from overflowing vessels into the nervous tissue with the development of cerebral edema. Edema is a life-threatening condition and can be fatal in a short time. Symptoms are similar to hypertensive crisis, but are more pronounced.

How not to miss a microstroke

Microstroke in women and men. Differences

Until recently, it was believed that older people are more prone to microstroke and stroke. The age over 60 years was called and gender distinctions were not made. However, more in-depth studies (especially extensive under the auspices of WHO) have shown that:

      • nevertheless, there are differences between the development of PNMK in men and women;
      • a microstroke has become much younger, and the age limit of 60 years is no longer true.

We note the following facts:

      • in most cases, a microstroke affects women later in age than men. If for men the risk group starts from the age of 40, then for women this age just starts from the age of 60. However, in the last ten years, a trend of increasing risk for women in the age group from 18 to 40 years has been revealed.
      • pregnancy is a risk factor.
      • women are more likely to die from stroke than men.
      • women are more difficult to endure a microstroke and stroke, and their rehabilitation is more difficult.
      • women often simply do not notice the early signs of a microstroke.
      • in women, the cardiovascular system is more prone to the appearance of blood clots.
      • the use of oral contraceptives by women may increase the risk of microstroke.
      • the emotional sphere of women is more sensitive to external influences, stress, which has a bad effect on the state of the cardiovascular system.

Features of the development of a microstroke in women

Statistics show that the female body is subject to additional risk factors for getting a microstroke. To them doctors include:

      • frequent migraine headaches
      • taking oral contraceptives,
      • unfavorable course of pregnancy,
      • sudden mood swings,
      • tendency to fixate on problems
      • tendency to uncontrollable stress.

These actually physiological features of the female body increase the likelihood of problems in the vascular system, which leads to the development of a microstroke.

In addition to the standard symptoms of a microstroke, women also have specific ones:

      • a sharp manifestation of weakness in the muscles of the face and their sharp numbness,
      • the appearance of a tingling sensation in one limb (although occasionally tingling appears in both limbs),
      • the ability of coherent speech is sharply lost,
      • the face turns red, breathing quickens, convulsions appear,
      • sharply blurred vision (more often in both eyes),
      • there is a sudden headache.

These are typical symptoms, however, there have been cases of atypical symptoms that may complement the picture of the appearance of a problem with the blood supply to the brain:

      • sudden onset of hiccups (attack),
      • sudden onset of depression
      • nausea and abdominal pain,
      • the appearance of chest pain, dry mouth and suffocation,
      • sudden increase in heart rate.

Important! Women who smoke should be aware that the risks of getting a microstroke are much higher for them than for men who smoke.

Microstroke in men. Peculiarities

Transient disorders of the blood supply to the brain in men are more expected according to statistics after 40 years. Especially this
typically between 40 and 45 years of age. For men, this interval is very important from the point of view of maintaining health in general, since the body is being restructured. Whether men want it or not, during this period, what happens in women is called menopause. Of course, the dates may not coincide with those named, but they are very close.

At this age, diagnosed as well as hidden diseases can play their negative role, such as:

      • atherosclerosis (it is worth paying attention to the fact that in men this disease is diagnosed much more often than in women),
      • disorders of the heart rhythm (for example, tachycardia or bradycardia),
      • vascular problems such as vasculitis, aneurysms,
      • an injured cervical spine may be accompanied by squeezing of the vessels through which blood flows to the brain.

For men, the following risk factors are characteristic:

      • increased physical activity, especially for lovers of "rocking chairs", where purposefully pitching increases pressure and increases the load on the heart.
      • the other extreme is hypodynamia, which is typical for IT people who can’t tear themselves away from computers for days, although truckers, for example, should be attributed to this lifestyle.
      • excessive smoking (or smoking in general), as well as excessive alcohol consumption, which often accompanies all kinds of business meetings.

The symptoms of a microstroke in men do not radically differ from those in women, however, it can be noted that their manifestation in men is not so pronounced due to less emotionality.

Important! It should be borne in mind that a microstroke in both men and women can develop asymptomatically, therefore, at the slightest suspicion of problems with the blood supply to the brain, measures should be taken immediately.

First aid for micro stroke

      • set to full rest mode. No noise, no visitors or interested people.
      • put the patient in a horizontal position, placing something under the head so that the head is in an elevated position. If at home, then it can be pillows, if the situation happened elsewhere, then you need to collect all available means.
      • if the situation happened at home, then you should open the window for the influx of a large volume of air.
      • loosen clothing - breathing should not be constrained.
      • BP must be measured. At home, this is easier to do, but in other places you should try to find an option. For high blood pressure, it is important to give a lowering medicine such as captopril.
      • at home, organize a hot foot bath and let the patient drink heart supportive drugs - valerian tincture or hawthorn extract.
      • something cold can be applied to the back of the head.
      • it is very important to prevent sudden movements of the patient, for example, to get up.
      • in no case do not give the patient antispasmodics.

With a successful resolution of the situation, the patient should still undergo an examination to prevent complications.

Consequences of a microstroke. Medical history

With a microstroke, the effect on brain cells is short enough to cause serious damage, but still residual effects remain and must be dealt with. I offer the story of a man with whom a similar misfortune happened. This is a man of considerable age. Here is the first person story.

It all happened at the very age when men should be careful - 43 years. It so happened that the transition to a new job changed my lifestyle and not for the better. Until the age of 40, I led a quite active life: I didn’t smoke, I drank alcohol on holidays, I went in for sports (in general, sports were revered from childhood).

And now the new work literally dragged me into new conditions. I was taught to smoke (some kind of stupidity), I quit playing sports due to lack of time, and my desire decreased. Work has become more sedentary - management. This “new” life lasted three years, until that very situation.

It all happened during a long-distance business trip on which I went behind the wheel of my car, though it’s very good that I took an assistant with me. Difficult financial negotiations lasted almost non-stop for days. The conditions are the most disgusting: stress, everyone smokes excessively, the brains stop perceiving reality, but a solution needs to be found. At the end of the day, nevertheless, a solution was found and, as they say, on the road, noted.

It's good that there was an assistant who got behind the wheel on the way back. Night. Unknown road. I couldn't doze off, because I know that sleeping next to the driver does not add optimism. We talked. And suddenly the assistant asks about my well-being. I answer that it's okay. It turned out that I did not hear myself, but the assistant had already caught the incoherence of speech. And it seemed to me that I speak normally.

Upon arrival home, my wife saw that my face was somewhat distorted. Then they didn’t even assume that everything was possible - still quite a young and strong man. But when I woke up in the morning, I could not get to the toilet without the help of the wall - my head was spinning non-stop. It seems like you are lying down - nothing, you got up - everything is spinning around. An extremely unpleasant feeling.

The doctor on duty called from the polyclinic said that he did not know what was wrong with me. Now this is simply surprising to me, since the symptoms of a microstroke were very obvious. I came to my senses for a week.

As a result, I had to change my lifestyle. Consciously. Because all week I analyzed what happened. Stopped smoking, slowly regained fitness (according to age). Now I am 67 years old, I do not observe the consequences of a microstroke. I continue sports training (every day). I recommend everyone who is at risk to comprehend my experience.

With all the popularity of the term “microstroke”, official medicine does not know such a diagnosis. Doctors understand this euphonious word as a transistor ischemic attack (TIA) or a temporary violation of cerebral blood flow - the body's first signal of an impending extensive cerebral infarction.

Despite the harmless prefix, a microstroke is a serious reason to reconsider your lifestyle and take a closer look at your health. The opinion that this disease is typical for patients of mature age with worn out vessels is erroneous. The disease is getting younger every year and can surprise even thirty-year-olds.

Not everyone can determine the main signs of an impending microstroke, since nausea, headache, short-term partial loss of vision, “flies” in the eyes are signs of many ailments. We often do not pay attention to such symptoms, approaching in a few minutes and passing within several hours, and we experience a microstroke on our legs, increasing the risk of its recurrence with more severe consequences.

Hirudotherapy is also actively fighting pathological changes in the brain. Therapeutic leeches normalize blood flow, free blood vessels from blood clots. Sessions are held only in specialized centers. The procedure is contraindicated for pregnant women.

To eliminate the risk of relapse, the victim should be observed by a doctor for some time. It is important to eliminate the cause that provoked a microstroke (to minimize stressful situations, reduce physical activity, etc.). If a microstroke was the result of some disease, the focus is on the focal cause.

The consequences of a microstroke in humans

Manifestations of a stroke are often justified by fatigue, overexertion at work, depressive states (“I got up on the wrong foot”, “again a magnetic storm”, etc.). Even if the symptoms of a microstroke are not clearly expressed, its consequences can be significant: memory and attention impairment, unmotivated aggression or irritability, emotional lability.

Psycho-emotional disorders are more characteristic of women. In men, a violation of the cerebral blood supply is sometimes manifested by sexual dysfunction and malfunctions of the internal organs. With a right-sided microstroke, paralysis of the limbs is possible.

In the first three days after an attack, there is a high probability of complications in the form of a hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, 60% of victims after an attack pursue TIA. The result of such diseases (paralysis of the limbs, disability, death) cannot be compared with complications after a microstroke. Concomitant diseases and the age of the victim complicate the situation.

According to medical statistics, after an attack of a microstroke, during the first 12 hours, 10% of patients get a complication in the form of a stroke. In another 20%, a similar diagnosis occurs within 3 months. More than 10% of patients in this category suffer myocardial infarction within a year. In 30% of victims, a stroke develops over the next 6 years.

Forecasts for recovery after a microstroke depend on its causes:

  • If it is on the surface (excess weight, stress), then the elimination of provocateurs will be the best prevention of relapses and complications;
  • If the cause was a specific disease, a regimen is developed to treat it.

It has been proven that a single micro-stroke does not exclude the possibility of developing a massive stroke (probability - 1 out of 10 cases), which causes irreparable damage to health. A stroke suffered on the legs does not manifest itself in any way. This complicates the diagnosis and often causes severe complications.

Recovery will accelerate the elimination of the causes that provoked the attack. Read more about what to do after a microstroke in this video.

Preventive actions

The first microstroke is a warning of the body, indicating that more attention should be paid to health. To minimize the risk of developing a microstroke, preventive measures will help:


Alternative methods of treatment do not replace official medicine, but help fight atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. Here is one of the proven recipes for a remedy that improves cerebral circulation and vascular elasticity:

  1. 200 g of chopped garlic is poured with olive oil (0.5 l).
  2. Insist 10 days in a dark place.
  3. Use 1 tsp. before meals for 3 weeks.

In parallel, the patient takes medication to control blood pressure, so additional procedures must be agreed with the attending physician, because self-medication can be dangerous.

A microstroke is considered a disease of the century. Many carried it on their feet without even knowing it. For point damage to the vessels of the brain, a clear age limit has not been established. It affects young people with bad habits and regular overload, diabetics, hypertensive patients, people prone to obesity.

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