Definition
The transient ischemic attack - also known by the acronym TIA - is a particular form of ischemic attack, which causes a temporary and reversible neurological deficit (unlike what happens in a stroke where the consequences are permanent).
Causes
The transient ischemic attack is caused by a reduced blood supply to a certain area of the brain. This cerebral ischemia can be caused by the presence of a clot (ie a thrombus) inside one of the cerebral arteries, which is therefore , to be obstructed.
Factors that favor thrombus formation can be: hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking and / or alcohol addiction, hormonal therapies, hypercholesterolemia and "hypertriglyceridemia," advanced age and the possible presence of a family history of TIA.
Symptoms
The symptoms caused by the transient ischemic attack are very similar to those caused by the stroke and vary according to the brain area affected.
However, the main symptoms that can occur are paralysis and numbness of the face and limbs, difficulty walking and maintaining balance, speech difficulties and sudden loss of vision.
This symptomatology is temporary and tends to resolve itself over a period of time ranging from a few minutes to a maximum of 24 hours.
The information on Transient Ischemic Attack - Drugs and Treatment is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Transient Ischemic Attack - Drugs and Treatment.
Medicines
Despite its temporary and reversible nature, transient ischemic attack is not a phenomenon to be underestimated, as it can recur and can be an alarm signal that indicates a possible risk of stroke.
Therefore, TIA must "be regarded as a" medical emergency and, as such, must "be treated appropriately and promptly.
Generally, the pharmacological therapy of transient ischemic attack is based on the administration of antiplatelet agents, in such a way as to prevent the aggregation of platelets, therefore, the formation of thrombus.
The identification and consequent treatment of the primary cause is also fundamental (for example, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.), which favored the formation of the thrombus which, in turn, caused the TIA.
Finally, the lifestyle and diet of patients play a fundamental role in the prevention of future transient ischemic attacks. Therefore, patients who have suffered from TIA must adopt a healthy lifestyle associated with a balanced diet and regular motor activity.
Below are some types of antiplatelet drugs that can be used in the therapy against transient ischemic attack and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and dosage for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment.
Acetylsalicylic acid
Acetylsalicylic acid (Cardioaspirin ®, Ascriptin ®) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (or NSAID), but - when taken in small doses - is capable of exerting an anti-platelet action.
Precisely for this reason, pharmaceutical preparations based on low-dose acetylsalicylic acid are the drugs of first choice in the therapy against transient ischemic attack.
The dose of acetylsalicylic acid usually used to prevent blood clots is 75-100 mg per day, to be taken orally.
Dipyridamole
Dipyridamole (Persantin ®) is an antiplatelet agent belonging to the class of phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Usually, this active ingredient is used in the prevention of thrombus embolism in patients with mechanical heart prostheses. However, there are high-dose, extended-release pharmaceutical formulations of dipyridamole, the use of which has been approved for the prevention of transient ischemic attacks.
The dose of dipyridamole usually used in the prevention of TIA is 400 mg, to be taken orally, in divided doses and preferably at meals.
Dipyridamole can be administered either alone or in combination with acetylsalicylic acid.
Ticlopidine
Ticlopidine (Tiklid ®) is an antiplatelet agent belonging to the thienopyridine class that can be used in the therapy against transient ischemic attacks. Its effectiveness is similar to that of acetylsalicylic acid, however, the rather serious side effects it can cause (such as, for example, neutropenia and bleeding) limit its use, especially in the long term.
Ticlopidine is available for oral administration and is generally given at a dose of 250-500 mg per day. However, the exact dosage of the drug and the duration of treatment must be determined by the doctor.
Clopidogrel
Clopidogrel (Clopidogrel Teva ®, Plavix ®, Iscover ®, Clopidogrel Mylan ®) is an antiplatelet agent also belonging to the thienopyridine class that can be used in the treatment of transient ischemic attack, although it is not considered a first choice drug. .
It is available for oral administration and is generally taken at a dose of 75 mg of the active ingredient per day.
