Your 'Sudden Eye Changes' Could Mean You Have Suffered A Mini Stroke, And May Not Know About It

Your 'Sudden Eye Changes' Could Mean You Have Suffered A Mini Stroke, And May Not Know About It

Image Credits: Canva

Text

Updated Mar 26, 2025 | 08:00 AM IST

SummaryA transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, often causing sudden vision changes, speech difficulties, or limb weakness, signaling a higher stroke risk.

If waking up with blurry vision or experiencing sudden sight loss in one or both eyes. Most individuals may overlook these symptoms as a temporary or trivial issue, but they may be an indicator of a serious condition—a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also referred to as a mini-stroke.

Each year, around 46,000 individuals within the UK have their first TIA. Contrary to its title, a mini-stroke is not something that should be treated lightly. It is a serious warning that a full-scale stroke may be pending. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and prevention of TIA can prompt you into action and save lives.

What is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

Transient ischemic attack results when blood flow to the brain is briefly obstructed, most commonly by a blood clot or constricted blood vessels. A TIA, unlike a full stroke, reverses within hours to minutes and does not produce lasting brain damage. But they are a signal of a greater chance of a future stroke—a little more than one in three people who experience a TIA will have a stroke within one year.

Physicians today depend on sophisticated imaging methods such as MRI scans, in addition to clinical evaluations, to decide if a subject has suffered a TIA or a stroke. TIAs, if left untreated, can lead to more serious cerebrovascular phenomena, and therefore early detection and treatment are paramount.

Vision processing engages about one-third of the brain and thus is especially at risk during a TIA. If a clot or interrupted blood supply to the area of the brain that controls vision occurs, people can experience the following brief symptoms:

  • Blurry vision in one or both eyes
  • Double vision
  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes

The nerves that regulate eye movement can also be impaired, causing misalignment and an inability to focus. Although these symptoms can resolve in a few hours, they are not to be taken lightly. Sudden, unexpected visual abnormalities require prompt medical care.

Identifying the Symptoms of a Mini Stroke

Symptoms of TIA tend to resemble those of a full stroke. The acronym FAST can be used to identify major warning signs:

Face: One side of the face may droop, making it difficult to smile.

Arms: The person may struggle to lift and hold both arms due to weakness.

Speech: Slurred or incoherent speech, or difficulty understanding others, may occur.

Time: If any of these symptoms appear, call emergency services immediately.

Other symptoms include:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
  • Difficulty articulating words or forming sentences
  • Memory loss, confusion, dizziness, or sudden falls
  • Severe headaches without a known cause

Because it is not possible to know whether symptoms are due to a TIA or a complete stroke when they first appear, immediate medical help is important. Early treatment can greatly minimize the risk of permanent injury or a subsequent stroke.

What Triggers a TIA?

TIAs result from temporary interruptions in blood flow, usually caused by several factors. Blood clots can develop within brain arteries, obstructing flow and causing fleeting symptoms. In others, clots migrate from elsewhere in the body to the brain, raising the risk for a stroke even further. The narrowing of arteries through plaque buildup also inhibits flow and makes people more vulnerable to TIAs. Trauma to blood vessels can also have an effect on flow, as well as cause these transient ischemic attacks. Treating these causes through changes in lifestyle, medicine, and periodic health check-ups is vital to reducing stroke risk.

How to Lower Your Risk of a TIA or Stroke?

Although some risk factors, including age or family history, cannot be altered, there are a number of changes in lifestyle that can greatly reduce your risk of having a TIA or stroke:

1. Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet

A diet of whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and legumes, can help cardiovascular health. Salt reduction can be used to control blood pressure, an important risk factor for stroke.

2. Exercise Regularly

Having a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly can enhance circulation, lower cholesterol levels, and keep one healthy weight, all of which aid in preventing strokes.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking raises blood clot risk and damage to arteries and is thus a leading cause of strokes. See a doctor to come up with a plan for quitting.

4. Reduce Alcohol Intake

Drinking too much alcohol increases blood pressure and makes blood vessels fragile. Adhere to suggested levels—two drinks a day for men and one drink for women.

5. Control Stress Levels

Chronic stress is associated with hypertension and heart disease. Mindfulness, slow breathing, or doing hobbies can lower health risks associated with stress.

Importance of Immediate Medical Attention

Although symptoms may clear up within hours, a TIA is a warning sign that a full-blown stroke may be lurking ahead. Medical attention enables physicians to assess your risk and prescribe medication such as blood thinners, diet changes, or procedures for clearing out clogged arteries.

If you or a person you know has sudden vision changes, speech difficulty, or weakness in the body on one side, don't dismiss them. Taking prompt action can help avoid a deadly stroke and maybe even save a life.

End of Article

Could This One Acid Be Key To Longevity And Better Health?

Could This One Acid Be Key To Longevity And Better Health?

Credit: Canva

Text

Updated Mar 29, 2025 | 08:00 PM IST

SummaryLike omega-3 fatty acids, C15:0 is considered an essential nutrient that the body cannot produce in sufficient amounts, requiring dietary intake or supplementation.

If waking up with blurry vision or experiencing sudden sight loss in one or both eyes. Most individuals may overlook these symptoms as a temporary or trivial issue, but they may be an indicator of a serious condition—a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also referred to as a mini-stroke.

Each year, around 46,000 individuals within the UK have their first TIA. Contrary to its title, a mini-stroke is not something that should be treated lightly. It is a serious warning that a full-scale stroke may be pending. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and prevention of TIA can prompt you into action and save lives.

What is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

Transient ischemic attack results when blood flow to the brain is briefly obstructed, most commonly by a blood clot or constricted blood vessels. A TIA, unlike a full stroke, reverses within hours to minutes and does not produce lasting brain damage. But they are a signal of a greater chance of a future stroke—a little more than one in three people who experience a TIA will have a stroke within one year.

Physicians today depend on sophisticated imaging methods such as MRI scans, in addition to clinical evaluations, to decide if a subject has suffered a TIA or a stroke. TIAs, if left untreated, can lead to more serious cerebrovascular phenomena, and therefore early detection and treatment are paramount.

Vision processing engages about one-third of the brain and thus is especially at risk during a TIA. If a clot or interrupted blood supply to the area of the brain that controls vision occurs, people can experience the following brief symptoms:

  • Blurry vision in one or both eyes
  • Double vision
  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes

The nerves that regulate eye movement can also be impaired, causing misalignment and an inability to focus. Although these symptoms can resolve in a few hours, they are not to be taken lightly. Sudden, unexpected visual abnormalities require prompt medical care.

Identifying the Symptoms of a Mini Stroke

Symptoms of TIA tend to resemble those of a full stroke. The acronym FAST can be used to identify major warning signs:

Face: One side of the face may droop, making it difficult to smile.

Arms: The person may struggle to lift and hold both arms due to weakness.

Speech: Slurred or incoherent speech, or difficulty understanding others, may occur.

Time: If any of these symptoms appear, call emergency services immediately.

Other symptoms include:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
  • Difficulty articulating words or forming sentences
  • Memory loss, confusion, dizziness, or sudden falls
  • Severe headaches without a known cause

Because it is not possible to know whether symptoms are due to a TIA or a complete stroke when they first appear, immediate medical help is important. Early treatment can greatly minimize the risk of permanent injury or a subsequent stroke.

What Triggers a TIA?

TIAs result from temporary interruptions in blood flow, usually caused by several factors. Blood clots can develop within brain arteries, obstructing flow and causing fleeting symptoms. In others, clots migrate from elsewhere in the body to the brain, raising the risk for a stroke even further. The narrowing of arteries through plaque buildup also inhibits flow and makes people more vulnerable to TIAs. Trauma to blood vessels can also have an effect on flow, as well as cause these transient ischemic attacks. Treating these causes through changes in lifestyle, medicine, and periodic health check-ups is vital to reducing stroke risk.

How to Lower Your Risk of a TIA or Stroke?

Although some risk factors, including age or family history, cannot be altered, there are a number of changes in lifestyle that can greatly reduce your risk of having a TIA or stroke:

1. Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet

A diet of whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and legumes, can help cardiovascular health. Salt reduction can be used to control blood pressure, an important risk factor for stroke.

2. Exercise Regularly

Having a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly can enhance circulation, lower cholesterol levels, and keep one healthy weight, all of which aid in preventing strokes.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking raises blood clot risk and damage to arteries and is thus a leading cause of strokes. See a doctor to come up with a plan for quitting.

4. Reduce Alcohol Intake

Drinking too much alcohol increases blood pressure and makes blood vessels fragile. Adhere to suggested levels—two drinks a day for men and one drink for women.

5. Control Stress Levels

Chronic stress is associated with hypertension and heart disease. Mindfulness, slow breathing, or doing hobbies can lower health risks associated with stress.

Importance of Immediate Medical Attention

Although symptoms may clear up within hours, a TIA is a warning sign that a full-blown stroke may be lurking ahead. Medical attention enables physicians to assess your risk and prescribe medication such as blood thinners, diet changes, or procedures for clearing out clogged arteries.

If you or a person you know has sudden vision changes, speech difficulty, or weakness in the body on one side, don't dismiss them. Taking prompt action can help avoid a deadly stroke and maybe even save a life.

End of Article

Low Birth Weight Babies Are At Risk For This Eye Condition

(Credit-Canva)

(Credit-Canva)

Text

Updated Mar 29, 2025 | 10:07 PM IST

Summary A full-term pregnancy consists of 39 to 40 weeks of gestation period. However, sometimes babies are born pre-term. While having premature babies is common, it comes with many risk factors and issues.

If waking up with blurry vision or experiencing sudden sight loss in one or both eyes. Most individuals may overlook these symptoms as a temporary or trivial issue, but they may be an indicator of a serious condition—a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also referred to as a mini-stroke.

Each year, around 46,000 individuals within the UK have their first TIA. Contrary to its title, a mini-stroke is not something that should be treated lightly. It is a serious warning that a full-scale stroke may be pending. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and prevention of TIA can prompt you into action and save lives.

What is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

Transient ischemic attack results when blood flow to the brain is briefly obstructed, most commonly by a blood clot or constricted blood vessels. A TIA, unlike a full stroke, reverses within hours to minutes and does not produce lasting brain damage. But they are a signal of a greater chance of a future stroke—a little more than one in three people who experience a TIA will have a stroke within one year.

Physicians today depend on sophisticated imaging methods such as MRI scans, in addition to clinical evaluations, to decide if a subject has suffered a TIA or a stroke. TIAs, if left untreated, can lead to more serious cerebrovascular phenomena, and therefore early detection and treatment are paramount.

Vision processing engages about one-third of the brain and thus is especially at risk during a TIA. If a clot or interrupted blood supply to the area of the brain that controls vision occurs, people can experience the following brief symptoms:

  • Blurry vision in one or both eyes
  • Double vision
  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes

The nerves that regulate eye movement can also be impaired, causing misalignment and an inability to focus. Although these symptoms can resolve in a few hours, they are not to be taken lightly. Sudden, unexpected visual abnormalities require prompt medical care.

Identifying the Symptoms of a Mini Stroke

Symptoms of TIA tend to resemble those of a full stroke. The acronym FAST can be used to identify major warning signs:

Face: One side of the face may droop, making it difficult to smile.

Arms: The person may struggle to lift and hold both arms due to weakness.

Speech: Slurred or incoherent speech, or difficulty understanding others, may occur.

Time: If any of these symptoms appear, call emergency services immediately.

Other symptoms include:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
  • Difficulty articulating words or forming sentences
  • Memory loss, confusion, dizziness, or sudden falls
  • Severe headaches without a known cause

Because it is not possible to know whether symptoms are due to a TIA or a complete stroke when they first appear, immediate medical help is important. Early treatment can greatly minimize the risk of permanent injury or a subsequent stroke.

What Triggers a TIA?

TIAs result from temporary interruptions in blood flow, usually caused by several factors. Blood clots can develop within brain arteries, obstructing flow and causing fleeting symptoms. In others, clots migrate from elsewhere in the body to the brain, raising the risk for a stroke even further. The narrowing of arteries through plaque buildup also inhibits flow and makes people more vulnerable to TIAs. Trauma to blood vessels can also have an effect on flow, as well as cause these transient ischemic attacks. Treating these causes through changes in lifestyle, medicine, and periodic health check-ups is vital to reducing stroke risk.

How to Lower Your Risk of a TIA or Stroke?

Although some risk factors, including age or family history, cannot be altered, there are a number of changes in lifestyle that can greatly reduce your risk of having a TIA or stroke:

1. Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet

A diet of whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and legumes, can help cardiovascular health. Salt reduction can be used to control blood pressure, an important risk factor for stroke.

2. Exercise Regularly

Having a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly can enhance circulation, lower cholesterol levels, and keep one healthy weight, all of which aid in preventing strokes.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking raises blood clot risk and damage to arteries and is thus a leading cause of strokes. See a doctor to come up with a plan for quitting.

4. Reduce Alcohol Intake

Drinking too much alcohol increases blood pressure and makes blood vessels fragile. Adhere to suggested levels—two drinks a day for men and one drink for women.

5. Control Stress Levels

Chronic stress is associated with hypertension and heart disease. Mindfulness, slow breathing, or doing hobbies can lower health risks associated with stress.

Importance of Immediate Medical Attention

Although symptoms may clear up within hours, a TIA is a warning sign that a full-blown stroke may be lurking ahead. Medical attention enables physicians to assess your risk and prescribe medication such as blood thinners, diet changes, or procedures for clearing out clogged arteries.

If you or a person you know has sudden vision changes, speech difficulty, or weakness in the body on one side, don't dismiss them. Taking prompt action can help avoid a deadly stroke and maybe even save a life.

End of Article

How Your Workout Spot Can Affect Your Skin Health?

How Your Workout Spot Can Affect Your Skin Health?

Credit: Canva

Text

Updated Mar 29, 2025 | 04:12 PM IST

SummaryA recent study has revealed that gym equipment and surfaces harbor billions of germs, posing a risk to your skin. Continuous exposure to them can cause skin rashes and itches.

If waking up with blurry vision or experiencing sudden sight loss in one or both eyes. Most individuals may overlook these symptoms as a temporary or trivial issue, but they may be an indicator of a serious condition—a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also referred to as a mini-stroke.

Each year, around 46,000 individuals within the UK have their first TIA. Contrary to its title, a mini-stroke is not something that should be treated lightly. It is a serious warning that a full-scale stroke may be pending. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and prevention of TIA can prompt you into action and save lives.

What is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

Transient ischemic attack results when blood flow to the brain is briefly obstructed, most commonly by a blood clot or constricted blood vessels. A TIA, unlike a full stroke, reverses within hours to minutes and does not produce lasting brain damage. But they are a signal of a greater chance of a future stroke—a little more than one in three people who experience a TIA will have a stroke within one year.

Physicians today depend on sophisticated imaging methods such as MRI scans, in addition to clinical evaluations, to decide if a subject has suffered a TIA or a stroke. TIAs, if left untreated, can lead to more serious cerebrovascular phenomena, and therefore early detection and treatment are paramount.

Vision processing engages about one-third of the brain and thus is especially at risk during a TIA. If a clot or interrupted blood supply to the area of the brain that controls vision occurs, people can experience the following brief symptoms:

  • Blurry vision in one or both eyes
  • Double vision
  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes

The nerves that regulate eye movement can also be impaired, causing misalignment and an inability to focus. Although these symptoms can resolve in a few hours, they are not to be taken lightly. Sudden, unexpected visual abnormalities require prompt medical care.

Identifying the Symptoms of a Mini Stroke

Symptoms of TIA tend to resemble those of a full stroke. The acronym FAST can be used to identify major warning signs:

Face: One side of the face may droop, making it difficult to smile.

Arms: The person may struggle to lift and hold both arms due to weakness.

Speech: Slurred or incoherent speech, or difficulty understanding others, may occur.

Time: If any of these symptoms appear, call emergency services immediately.

Other symptoms include:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
  • Difficulty articulating words or forming sentences
  • Memory loss, confusion, dizziness, or sudden falls
  • Severe headaches without a known cause

Because it is not possible to know whether symptoms are due to a TIA or a complete stroke when they first appear, immediate medical help is important. Early treatment can greatly minimize the risk of permanent injury or a subsequent stroke.

What Triggers a TIA?

TIAs result from temporary interruptions in blood flow, usually caused by several factors. Blood clots can develop within brain arteries, obstructing flow and causing fleeting symptoms. In others, clots migrate from elsewhere in the body to the brain, raising the risk for a stroke even further. The narrowing of arteries through plaque buildup also inhibits flow and makes people more vulnerable to TIAs. Trauma to blood vessels can also have an effect on flow, as well as cause these transient ischemic attacks. Treating these causes through changes in lifestyle, medicine, and periodic health check-ups is vital to reducing stroke risk.

How to Lower Your Risk of a TIA or Stroke?

Although some risk factors, including age or family history, cannot be altered, there are a number of changes in lifestyle that can greatly reduce your risk of having a TIA or stroke:

1. Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet

A diet of whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and legumes, can help cardiovascular health. Salt reduction can be used to control blood pressure, an important risk factor for stroke.

2. Exercise Regularly

Having a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly can enhance circulation, lower cholesterol levels, and keep one healthy weight, all of which aid in preventing strokes.

3. Quit Smoking

Smoking raises blood clot risk and damage to arteries and is thus a leading cause of strokes. See a doctor to come up with a plan for quitting.

4. Reduce Alcohol Intake

Drinking too much alcohol increases blood pressure and makes blood vessels fragile. Adhere to suggested levels—two drinks a day for men and one drink for women.

5. Control Stress Levels

Chronic stress is associated with hypertension and heart disease. Mindfulness, slow breathing, or doing hobbies can lower health risks associated with stress.

Importance of Immediate Medical Attention

Although symptoms may clear up within hours, a TIA is a warning sign that a full-blown stroke may be lurking ahead. Medical attention enables physicians to assess your risk and prescribe medication such as blood thinners, diet changes, or procedures for clearing out clogged arteries.

If you or a person you know has sudden vision changes, speech difficulty, or weakness in the body on one side, don't dismiss them. Taking prompt action can help avoid a deadly stroke and maybe even save a life.

End of Article