|
Page 2 of 2
Stroke/ Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA)
If
an old person in his 50s or 60s develops sudden migraine-like symptoms,
it may indicate a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). A TIA might lead to a
stroke somewhere later in life. Although a headache
might not be a symptom, yet it is usually one of the symptoms in at
least 25 – 30 % of the patients.
The migraine-like symptoms
associated with TIA are somewhat different. The pain is not as severe as
a migraine attack. Also there is no nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to
either noise, smell or light.
But what needs to be noted here is
that the person might not have had any migraine-like symptoms up till
then, but still he/she develops them in old age. This is to be promptly
investigated because it
might signal TIA, leading to a
stroke which might further lead to a paralysis attack.
A TIA
occurs because of an affected carotid artery. The symptoms are
experienced in that side of the body which has the affected carotid.
In
the case of a TIA, a thorough investigation is necessary. It may be done
with the help of non-invasive tests like ultrasounds. Once a TIA is
confirmed, medications which retard clumping of platelets are
recommended. In some cases, surgery might also be essential.
|
