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Paul R. Lucas, M.D., FACS, RVI, of the Vascular Center at Mercy |
Dr. Paul Lucas Of The Vascular Center At Mercy Addresses The Issue Of "Warning Strokes"
TIAs: A Precursor to Stroke, by Paul R. Lucas, M.D., FACS, RVI
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States each year. It’s the second leading cause of cardiovascular death and the most common cause of death as a result of neurological disorders. The incidence of stroke is about 160 per 100,000 in our population each year. In addition to death, strokes are a major cause of patient disability and portend a significant burden to patients and their families, physically, emotionally, and financially. Approximately one out of every eight strokes is preceded by a TIA, or transient ischemic attack. This is a warning stroke of sorts. A TIA(transient ischemic attack), by definition, is a medical term for a group of neurologic symptoms, for instance weakness or numbness, which appears suddenly and then resolves completely within 24 hours. These are caused by a temporary lack of blood flow within an area of the brain. The symptoms can vary depending on what area of the brain is affected.
A TIA may be a warning sign of an impending stroke. In fact, the risk for stroke within 2 days of a TIA is thought to be between 4 and 10 percent. A TIA can be a single occurrence, or several TIA’s can occur at varying times. The most common symptoms experienced during a TIA are: numbness or weakness (face, tongue, hand, arm, or leg), slurring of speech or difficulty speaking, blurred vision or decreased vision in one eye.
Anyone who experiences a TIA should seek medical attention immediately, it is a medical emergency and should be promptly evaluated. Many strokes can be prevented, and timing is critical in the evaluation and treatment of a TIA. Various studies and imaging modalities are employed during the work-up and many of the local hospitals are equipped with stroke teams and protocols to help expedite patient evaluation and institution of appropriate therapies.
TIA’s can develop from heart problems such as atrial fibrillation, from plaque build-up in the carotid arteries in the neck, or from problems within the brain. Treatment and therapies vary from antiplatelet therapy (aspirin, etc.), anticoagulation therapy (warfarin sodium), thrombolytics (clot busters), or revascularization.
Risk factors for TIA/Stroke are:
- advancing age
- smoking (tobacco use)
- Diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Atrial Fibrillation (irregular heart beat)
- Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol, triglycerides)
- Obesity
- Prior cardiovascular events
- Previous history of TIA’s
- Illegal drug use
Anyone with a family history of TIA or strokes, are over the age of 50 and have risk factors, should discuss risk reduction measures with their doctors. Free carotid screening tests are also available. If you would like to schedule a free screening, please contact the vascular center at Mercy (410-332-9404).
About Dr. Lucas
Paul Lucas, M.D., earned his medical degree from Ross University, completed his General Surgery residency at the Union Memorial Hospital, and completed his Vascular Surgery fellowship at the University of Maryland and Mercy Medical Center. Board Certified in general and vascular surgery, Dr. Lucas is the author of numerous research articles on such topics as the stenting of the carotid artery in vascular surgery practice. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of numerous medical professional organizations including the American Medical Association, Med-Chi of Maryland as well as others. Dr. Lucas serves as the Director of the Vascular Laboratory at Mercy and is certified in vascular ultrasound interpretation.
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