How to Prevent a Mini Stroke From Becoming a Major Problem

For a few scary minutes, one side of Kevin Breslin's face went numb, and he couldn't see out of one eye. Ten minutes later, he was back to normal. Breslin had just experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini stroke or warning stroke.

An estimated 200,000 Americans experience TIAs each year, and more than one third will later have full strokes. But TIAs, like strokes, are treatable and preventable.

Breslin was evaluated by Jose Biller, MD, a stroke and TIA specialist and chairman of the neurology department at Loyola University Health System. Biller determined that Breslin's TIAs were being caused by a clogged carotid artery. Biller immediately admitted Breslin, and the next day a cardiothoracic surgeon removed plaque that was obstructing blood flow in Breslin's artery.

The carotid artery is the main artery in the neck that supplies blood to the brain and retina. Breslin's right carotid artery was more than 95% blocked by deposits called plaque. His TIAs occurred when tiny pieces of plaque broke off, traveled up to the brain and temporarily blocked blood flow. Breslin could have had a full-blown stroke at any time. All it would have taken would be for the artery to close up completely, or for a larger piece of plaque to break off and travel to his brain.

— Source: Loyola University Health System