You want to talk, but the words won’t come out right. You go to call someone, but the phone is blurred and you feel dizzy. These are all symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), more commonly known as a “mini-stroke.”
“Symptoms of a TIA or a stroke can include one-sided numbness, weakness, facial asymmetry, speech difficulty, slurred speech, room spinning dizziness, vision loss, and gait imbalance,” said Dr. Cara Guminik, a neurologist at MSU Health Care, who cares for patients at McLaren Greater Lansing. “If you suspect you are having a stroke, call 911 immediately.”
If you or someone you're with experiences any of these symptoms, even if they disappear quickly, take action. Do not wait to see if the symptoms get better on their own. It's always better to be safe and seek immediate medical attention.
“A TIA is a term used to describe stroke-like symptoms that last less than 24 hours and do not leave an impression on the MRI brain,” said Dr. Guminik. “A TIA is a warning sign for a stroke.”
This is a wake-up call to improve your lifestyle. By focusing on key lifestyle changes and managing your risk factors, you can dramatically reduce your chances of a future stroke.
Monitor your blood pressure daily: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading risk factor for stroke. When your blood pressure is consistently high, it puts extra strain on your arteries, making them stiff and narrow. This can lead to clots that cause a stroke. Invest in a reliable at-home blood pressure monitor and aim for a goal of <130/90.
Ensure that your cholesterol is at a healthy level: High cholesterol, especially high LDL-C ("bad" cholesterol), can cause plaque to build up in your arteries, a process called atherosclerosis. This buildup can narrow arteries, making it easier for a blood clot to form and block blood flow to the brain, triggering a stroke. If you have elevated cholesterol, you should be on a medication to help decrease your LDL-C to <70 mg/dL.
Manage your diabetes: Diabetes can damage blood vessels throughout your body, including those that supply your brain. This damage makes you more susceptible to a stroke. If you have diabetes, the goal A1C is <7%.
Get active: Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your heart and brain health. Exercise helps control blood pressure, manage weight, and improve circulation. Aim for moderate-intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 10 minutes four times a week, or vigorous-intensity aerobic activity for a minimum of 20 minutes twice a week.
Stop smoking: Smoking increases your risk of stroke. If you smoke, we highly recommend that you stop. There are many different smoking cessation options you can discuss with your doctor.
“Making small changes to your everyday routines can help prevent future TIAs and strokes,” said Dr. Guminik. “Getting routine annual exams to check blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1C is a great start. Remember, modifications don’t have to be all at once. Start small, then work yourself up to the goals you and your provider set.”
Although they are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, strokes are preventable. Talk to your primary care provider about how you can prevent a stroke. If you need a primary care provider, click here to see a list of doctors who are accepting new patients.
McLaren Greater Lansing recently received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Silver Plus quality achievement award, with target Stroke Honor Roll and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll for 2025. This recognition celebrates McLaren Greater Lansing for its commitment to ensuring that stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, research-based guidelines—ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
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