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Accidente isquémico transitorio - Overview

Nombres alternativos

Mini derrame cerebral; Ataque isquémico transitorio (AIT); Accidente cerebrovascular pequeño

Definición:

Es cuando el flujo de sangre a una parte del cerebro se detiene por un breve período de tiempo. Una persona tendrá síntomas similares a un accidente cerebrovascular hasta por 1 a 2 horas.

Un accidente isquémico transitorio (AIT) a menudo se siente que es un signo de advertencia de que se puede presentar un accidente cerebrovascular verdadero en el futuro si no se hace algo para prevenirlo.

Causas:

Un accidente isquémico transitorio es diferente del accidente cerebrovascular. Después de un AIT, el bloqueo se rompe rápidamente y se disuelve. A diferencia de un accidente cerebrovascular, un AIT no provoca la muerte del tejido cerebral.

La pérdida del flujo de sangre a un área del cerebro puede ser causada por:

  • Un coágulo de sangre en una arteria del cerebro.
  • Un coágulo de sangre que viaja hacia el cerebro desde otro sitio del cuerpo (por ejemplo, desde el corazón).
  • Una lesión a los vasos sanguíneos.
  • Estrechamiento de un vaso sanguíneo en el cerebro o que lleva al cerebro.

La hipertensión arterial es el riesgo número uno para los AIT y los accidentes cerebrovasculares. Los otros factores mayores de riesgo son:

  • Fibrilación auricular.
  • Diabetes.
  • Antecedentes familiares de accidente cerebrovascular.
  • Colesterol alto.
  • Mayor edad, especialmente después de los 55.
  • Raza (los afroamericanos son más propensos a morir de un accidente cerebrovascular).

Las personas que tienen cardiopatía o mala circulación en las piernas causadas por arterias estrechas también son más propensas a tener AIT y accidente cerebrovascular.

Ver también: factores de riesgo para el accidente cerebrovascular.

  • Reviewed last on: 6/18/2011
  • Kevin Sheth, MD, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Referencias

Furie KL, Kasner SE, Adams RJ, Albers GW, Bush RL, Fagan SC, et al. Guidelines for the prevention of stroke in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2011;42:227-276.

Goldstein LB, Bushnell CD, Adams RJ, Appel LJ, Braun LT, Chaturvedi S, et al. Guidelines for the primary prevention of stroke: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2011;42:517-584.

Easton JD, Saver JL, Albers GW, Alberts MJ, Chaturvedi S, Feldmann E, et al. Definition and evaluation of transient ischemic attack: a scientific statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Stroke Council; Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia; Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; and the Interdisciplinary Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease. Stroke. 2009 Jun;40(6):2276-93.

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