TIAs are warning shots of a future stroke

TIAs are warning shots of a future stroke. One out of five of those who have just suffered a temporary ischemic attack may have a full-blown episode within three months; and half of them will be observed inside of two days.

Time clearly is of the essence; a diagnosis must be made and action taken. In particular vital to deal with hypertension and raised blood glucose.

F.A.S.T.

The same FAST acronym is used to diagnose a TIA as a stroke, even if the symptoms resolve in less than an hour.

• F -  Facial drooping
• A - Arm weakness
• S - Speech difficulties
• T - Time to call for an ambulance
  

TIA mimics

There are certain conditions that will mimic a TIA. It's important to be able to tell the difference. Examples would be a history of migraines and epilepsy.

In a wealthy society a CT is initially ordered, followed by an MRI of the brain.

ABCD2 score for suspected TIA

The burning question is whether the TIA is likely to progress to a full-blown stroke. The ABCD² score gives one some inkling of the future.

• A - Age > 60
• B - BP > 140/90
• C - Clinical features, unilateral weakness and speech disturbance
• D¹ - Duration > 1 hour
• D² - Diabetes

1. Complete remission of diabetes without drugs using food as medicine^[3].
   
2. ABCD² TIA calculator^[2]
   

Diabetes

It is obviously very significant that diabetes is the only disease mentioned in the ABCD2 score; by pushing one into the "high" rating, it doubles the risk of having a full-blown stroke.

For those concerned about the prevention of a stroke, BP and blood glucose levels are paramount; the two most difficult areas to achieve patient compliance. In particular it means cessation of smoking and weight loss. 

My personal belief is that it is the clinician's responsibility to point these out very firmly once; and then keeping silent unless asked for guidance. Nagging achieves nothing; but no patient who has had a major stroke should ever be able to say that no doctor ever made these matters absolutely clear.

For centuries orange and yellow foods have been used in the management of diabetes. The known active agents involved in lowering blood glucose are nicotinic acid and trigonelline.

Pumpkin for diabetes makes interesting reading for those concerned with both prevention and treatment of this serious disease.

Obviously pumpkin pie using sugar will not help. Artificial sweeteners like saccharine are not an option either, because of the negative effect on the microbiome.

German researchers have shown that natural unprocessed honey from small beekeepers has a low GI; cooking it in pumpkin pie may invalidate this benefit. Diabetics have to be willing to experiment with different foods testing their blood glucose to check the effects.

It is possible that pumpkin pie using natural honey, followed by a walk may be acceptable; it's good for diabetics to do that anyway. Once in the groove it will not prove onerous and actually may become pleasurable even to those averse to exercise.

Diabetics have the responsibility to keep their blood glucose strictly in check; in fact we all should. It's either that or there will be warning shots across the bow, warning us of impending TIAs and strokes.

From the horse's mouth

Food as medicine

Interestingly there is strong evidence that dark-green leafy vegetables, and particularly the stalks which are rich in nitrates will help lower blood pressure.

So enjoy young leaves, both raw and cooked, with tender stalks.

Vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli should daily be on the menu; it is not necessary to de-vein young leaves when cooking them.

Other researchers have proved that just by using food as medicine^[3], without any drugs almost all those suffering from T2DM can put their disease completely into remission. Obviously becoming more active is imperative too; and especially taking short walks after starchy meals.

We also recommend on a regular basis going on longer hikes.

TIAs are warning shots of a future stroke

TIAs are warning shots of a future stroke often within days if the patient is diabetic and suffers from hypertension.

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