After a TIA has been diagnosed, your doctor will determine the cause of the attack, and come up with a treatment to correct the abnormality and prevent a stroke. Treatment may include medication, surgery, or a combination of both.
Medication
Your doctor will determine which medication to prescribe for you based on the location, cause, severity, and type of TIA you had. The following are two frequently prescribed types of drugs: Anti-platelet Drugs: Platelets are one of the circulating blood cell types. When blood vessels are injured, sticky platelets begin to form clots. Anti-platelet drugs work by making platelets less likely to stick together. Aspirin is one of the most frequently used anti-platelet medications since it’s inexpensive and has few side effects. Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an alternative to aspirin, while the drug Aggrenox is a combination of low-dose aspirin and another anti-platelet drug, dipyridamole. Anticoagulants: Rather than affecting platelet function, these drugs impact clotting-system proteins. If you have an irregular heartbeat (also called atrial fibrillation), your doctor may prescribe an anticoagulant. Heparin is an injectable anticoagulant drug used for a short time, while warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) is taken over a longer length of time. You’ll be closely monitored if you take either of these medications. Other anticoagulant drugs include:
Eliquis (apixaban)Xarelto (rivaroxaban)Pradaxa (dabigatran)
Surgery
Your doctor may suggest one of the following surgeries or procedures to treat a TIA, depending on your condition: Carotid Endarterectomy: Your two carotid arteries supplies blood to your brain. If you have carotid artery disease, meaning your carotid artery is moderately or severely narrowed, your doctor may suggest carotid endarterectomy. This surgery clears the carotid arteries of fatty deposits in hopes of preventing further TIAs or strokes. An incision is made to open the artery, the plaques are removed, and the artery is closed. Angioplasty: A less invasive treatment, angioplasty (also called stenting) is effective in some people who have a carotid artery blockage. During the procedure, a balloon-like device is used to open a clogged artery, and then a small wire tube (called a stent) is placed into the artery to keep it open.
Lifestyle Modifications
The following lifestyle changes can help you prevent a TIA: Control High Blood Pressure: If your high blood pressure is uncontrolled, your risk of stroke increases. Control Diabetes: Diabetes increases the severity of narrowing of the arteries. You can manage diabetes and high blood pressure with diet, exercise, and weight control. Eat Well: Eating high cholesterol foods and foods high in saturated and trans fats can contribute to plaque build-up in your arteries. Consuming too much salt also increases your risk of TIA and stroke. Additionally, fruits and vegetables contain nutrients such as potassium, folate, and antioxidants, which may protect against a TIA or a stroke. Watch Your Weight: A body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher and a waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women or 40 inches in men increases risk of stroke. Exercise: You can reduce your risk of stroke by getting 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a day. Limit Alcohol: Men should drink no more than two drinks daily and women should stick to one drink daily to reduce their risk of stroke. Quit Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of blood clots, raises your blood pressure, and contributes to the development of cholesterol-containing fatty deposits in your arteries. Don’t Use Drugs: Cocaine and other illicit drugs are associated with an increased risk of TIA and stroke.
