A stroke is a disease of the brain vessels that results in damage to a certain part of the brain due to impaired blood flow. When a stroke occurs, brain cells can die within minutes.

As a result, the body parts controlled by the damaged area of the brain will lose their function.

Minor Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), sometimes known as a ministroke or minor stroke, is a temporary period of symptoms similar to a stroke. TIA does not cause permanent damage.

Currently, many young people experience minor stroke attacks. The cause of minor strokes in both young and old is due to a temporary reduction in blood supply to a part of the brain, which can last for only five minutes.

Like ischemic stroke, TIA occurs when clots or debris reduce or block the blood flow to a part of the nervous system. Although considered a minor condition, if you have ever had a minor stroke, there's a possibility of partial blockage or narrowing of the artery leading to the brain, which increases your risk of a severe stroke in the future.

One preventative measure to avoid stroke is to undergo a general check-up. A general stroke check-up is an examination aimed at early detection of diseases that could lead to a condition, in this case, a stroke. If the early examination detects the potential or probability of a stroke, preventive measures should be taken to avoid it.

The stroke examination panel consists of:

  ▪ Laboratory Examination
     • Complete Hematology
     • Lipid Profile (Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL)
     • Ureum and Creatinine
     • Blood Electrolytes: Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium
     • Random Blood Sugar & HbA1C
     • Blood Clotting Factors: PT(INR), aPTT, Fibrinogen, D Dimer
     • Platelet Aggregation Test

  ▪ Non-Laboratory Examination
     • Doctor's physical examination accompanied by Neurological Examination (nerve function)
     • Chest X-ray
     • Electrocardiography (EKG)
     • Echocardiography
     • Carotid Doppler Ultrasound

Written by: Dr. Melynda Elka Putri (Medical Laboratory Consultant at PRAMITA Clinic Laboratory, Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 14-CD, Pekanbaru)