How to distinguish between cerebral infarction and transient ischemic attack? Although the symptoms are similar, the harm is very different

TIA, or transient ischemia, is a very common symptom in patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Its symptoms are easily confused with cerebral infarction. Both have symptoms such as dizziness, weakness on one side of the limbs, paralysis of one side of the face, limited language function, and memory loss.

During imaging examinations, abnormalities of cerebral infarction can be seen through CT or MRI, but TIA does not cause any changes to the brain, so there are no obvious abnormalities in CT and MRI.

In terms of impact, TIA is a temporary interruption of blood supply to a certain area of ​​the brain. It does not last long and will not cause permanent damage to the brain. Therefore, the patient's discomfort symptoms are often transient, appearing and disappearing suddenly, and the patient feels better after a rest. It generally does not cause much impact on the patient.

Cerebral infarction is an interruption of blood supply to a certain area of ​​the brain, which lasts for a long time and causes permanent damage to the brain, thereby affecting the patient's limbs and other body functions. The symptoms are permanent and can be relieved to a certain extent through rehabilitation training, but they cannot be cured, and may endanger the patient's life as the disease progresses, with high disability and mortality rates.

But no matter what the symptoms and effects are, the causes of cerebral infarction and TIA are the same. Heart disease, moyamoya disease, carotid artery stenosis, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular abnormalities, etc. can cause patients to experience these two symptoms. Some patients do not have a deep understanding of TIA and think they are very lucky not to develop cerebral infarction. However, if TIA is not taken seriously, it may lead to the development of the disease and the patient may suddenly suffer a stroke, and the probability of this is very high.