Ministrokes need maximum attention

Pat Andrews was in the car with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren when she realized she couldn’t speak.

Words she wanted to say wouldn’t come out. She was new to Colorado — she’d moved here to be near family — and figured she was tired and hadn’t adjusted to the altitude yet. “And I didn’t want to bother anybody.”

By the time she got home, she thought everything was fine.

Except it wasn’t.

Andrews experienced what is known as a ministroke, or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). For years mini-strokes were considered relatively harmless. But a study published in JAMA Neurology in January 2024 found that TIAs are more serious than previously thought, potentially causing lasting cognitive decline and increasing the risk of future strokes.

“You should absolutely seek medical care immediately,” if you suspect you’re having a TIA, says Mark Huber, MD, medical director of AdventHealth Castle Rock’s emergency department. “This is your brain we’re talking about.”

Like a full stroke, TIAs happen when a blockage prevents blood — and the oxygen it carries — from reaching the brain. The main characteristic that distinguishes mini-strokes is that they resolve on their own, Dr. Huber says, while strokes often require medical intervention.

TIAs provide a vital opportunity to address the causes and hopefully prevent a future full stroke. “We want to identify that patient’s specific risk factors,” says Erin Gengaro, RN, BSN, AdventHealth Castle Rock’s stroke coordinator.

Once the problem is found, there are preventive tools available. “We can get you started on a statin if the cause is high cholesterol, or an anti-coagulant (blood thinner), or blood pressure medication,” Gengaro says.

That’s exactly the kind of care Pat Andrews received. Months after her first TIA in the car, Andrews experienced a subsequent stroke. This time, she called her daughter, who took her to the AdventHealth Castle Rock ER.

Andrews, a former nurse, knows that high blood pressure was likely a contributing factor to her TIAs and stroke — and her care team helped her get on a medication to manage it.

She also knows that AdventHealth Castle Rock is there for her. “Every time I’ve gone to the emergency room, it’s been a truly positive experience. The staff is wonderful,” even checking her home to make sure it was safe for her to return after her stroke.

Smart Strategies to Get Help Faster

During a recent stroke, Pat Andrews knew she needed help. But instead of dialing 911, she tried calling her daughter. “But I couldn’t remember the code to unlock my phone!”

Now, she has a phone that allows her to tap a single number to unlock it and wears a medical alert pendant.

Other steps that can help aid in an emergency:

• Use facial recognition to unlock your phone.
• Keep a list of medications visible for emergency responders.
• Use a voice-prompted smart speaker to call for help.

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AdventHealth Castle Rock’s Emergency Room is a Level III Trauma Center, open 24/7 and equipped to treat patients of all ages. Count on compassionate, expert care when every second matters.