Many people aren’t aware of mini strokes, but they should be! One in three Americans will experience this medical condition in their lifetime.
In essence, a mini stroke is a brief blockage that prevents blood from reaching the brain. It is called a mini stroke because the symptoms mimic stroke symptoms, only without long-term damage. As a result, mini stroke recovery is more about making lifestyle changes than regaining mobility.
In this guide, we’ll explain more about what to expect during mini stroke recovery. You’ll also learn 5 actionable tips for moving forward. Keep reading to learn how to pursue wellness following a mini stroke.
What Is a Mini Stroke?
A mini stroke occurs when there is a blockage of blood in your brain. In a mini stroke, the blockage resolves itself quickly, generally without any intervention. With that said, after a mini stroke, you may experience stroke-like symptoms.
Symptoms of a mini stroke might include:
- Dizziness
- Balance problems
- Changes in vision
- Weakness on one or both sides of the body
- Tingling or numbness in your limbs
A mini stroke and a stroke look and feel a lot alike. Still, you should always see a doctor to rule out a more serious condition, even if your symptoms go away quickly. It’s the best way to get efficient care and make a plan for recovery.
How Long Is Recovery After a Mini Stroke?
The mini stroke recovery timeline tends to be brief. According to Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford, the symptoms of a mini stroke typically do not last for more than 24 hours. In fact, symptoms often last only a few minutes in total.
It’s common for symptoms to disappear quickly, and you may feel fine right away. Remember that any stroke is still a medical emergency. Always see a doctor to pursue testing and further treatment. A mini stroke is often a warning sign that you may be at high risk for a more serious stroke.
Your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the likelihood of another stroke. They will also be able to provide more accurate information about your unique mini stroke recovery time.
Recovery is about making healthy, positive lifestyle changes. Most people can complete mini stroke recovery at home. With that in mind, the mini stroke recovery process is an opportunity to improve your overall health and wellness. It’s an ongoing process of learning to care for your body.
5 Tips for Recovery from a Mini Stroke
1. Make a Few Dietary Changes
According to the CDC, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes are three of the most significant risk factors for stroke. Making a few changes to your diet can help address these underlying issues and prevent future incidents. In fact, the Stroke Association suggests adding one portion of fruits and vegetables to your diet can lower your risk by 10%.
2. Walk Every Day
Following a stroke or mini stroke, it’s important to get active. This provides a boost to your health and your mood. Most importantly, it can improve your heart health, which is another risk factor for stroke.
Start small by adding a short walk to your daily routine. Consider walking with a friend or loved one to make this part of recovery more social and fun.
3. Stop Smoking and Eliminate Alcohol
Did you know that smoking can double your risk of stroke following a mini stroke? Likewise, drinking alcohol can lead to heart problems that further increase your stroke risk. Consider abstaining during your mini stroke recovery to prevent future complications.
4. Prioritize Medication Management
Managing the underlying causes of stroke can help prevent issues in the future. If you’re taking medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, or heart disease, it’s important to keep taking them. Consider using a pill organizer, or try downloading a reminder app on your smartphone or tablet.
5. Make a Plan
In some ways, a mini stroke can be a positive thing. It can often serve as a sign that something about your lifestyle needs to change. Likewise, it provides an opportunity to make sure you have an emergency plan in place.
Consider taking the time to update your emergency contacts. Many people also use the opportunity to preemptively install helpful bars or railings in their homes. This can provide peace of mind as you implement your new, healthy changes.
For those who experience mobility challenges after a stroke, NexStride can help. It’s a small, science-backed device that attaches to a cane, walker, or other mobility aid. It provides light and sound cues to help your brain and body work together. It can make independence possible, even during stroke recovery.
Learn more about NexStride and discover how this award-winning device helps stroke survivors pursue mobility.
