TIA could be your warning of a major stroke

A transient ischemic attack or TIA is sometimes called a "mini-stroke." But you should take it just as seriously as a major stroke because it is a proven risk factor.

What is a TIA?

TIA is a brief episode of stroke-like symptoms. Like a stroke, a TIA is caused by a blockage in a blood vessel in the brain. This prevents part of the brain from getting the blood (and oxygen) it needs. With a TIA, the blockage is temporary and the symptoms may quickly go away.

What causes a TIA?

Some common causes of TIA are:

Low blood flow at a narrow part of a major artery (such as the carotid artery) carrying blood to the brain
A blood clot from another part of the body that breaks off and travels to the brain where it briefly blocks a blood vessel
Plaque (a fatty substance) breaking off and blocking a narrowed blood vessel in the brain for a short period of time

On average TIAs last about a minute, and cause no permanent brain damage. This is why some people make the mistake of ignoring them.

TIA is a proven risk factor for stroke.

TIAs can occur days, weeks, even months before a major stroke. In fact, 26% of TIA patients will have another TIA or a stroke within 6 months. Prompt medical or surgical attention may prevent a fatal or disabling stroke from occurring.

If you have had a TIA or stroke in the past, ask your doctor about AGGRENOX. AGGRENOX is the only combination treatment for helping to prevent recurrent TIA/stroke that was proven twice as effective as aspirin — the most widely used antiplatelet therapy.

TIA AND STROKE SYMPTOMS OCCUR SUDDENLY:

Brief period of weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
Brief period of confusion or trouble speaking or understanding
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes for a brief period of time
Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination for a brief period of time
Brief period of severe headache with no known cause

NEVER IGNORE THESE SIGNS — EVEN IF THEY GO AWAY.

If you think you are having a TIA or stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have had these symptoms recently, don’t ignore them. Make an appointment with your doctor today.

WHAT’S RELATED?

You may also be interested in reading:

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Important Information about AGGRENOX

AGGRENOX is indicated to reduce the risk of stroke in patients who have had transient ischemia of the brain or completed ischemic stroke due to thrombosis.

The most common adverse event with AGGRENOX was headache (39.2% vs 32.9% with placebo), which was more frequent at the onset of therapy but diminished over time. In ESPS 2, GI bleeding with AGGRENOX was comparable to aspirin (4.1% vs 3.2%) and the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage was nine (9) patients (0.6%) in the AGGRENOX group, six (6) patients (0.5%) in the extended-release dipyridamole group, six (6) patients (0.4%) in the aspirin group and seven (7) patients (0.4%) in the placebo group.

AGGRENOX contains aspirin. Patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks every day should be counseled about the bleeding risks involved with chronic, heavy alcohol use while taking aspirin. Even low doses of aspirin can increase bleeding time, which can adversely affect patients with bleeding disorders. Patients with a history of active peptic ulcer disease should avoid using aspirin, which can cause gastric mucosal irritation and bleeding. AGGRENOX should be avoided in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Click here for full AGGRENOX Prescribing Information.