Delhi man suffers over 100 mini-strokes in a week. How doctors saved his life

The 65-year-old man underwent intracranial stenting to stop the mini-strokes. (Representational)

A 65-year-old man from Delhi who had suffered over 100 mini-strokes within a single week, has undergone a life-saving surgery. Niwash Johar’s was suffering from relentless transient ischaemic attacks (TIA), often referred to as mini-strokes for a full week. Doctors utilized intracranial stenting to clear a critical blockage in the right internal carotid artery of his brain stopping the strokes.

Johar's ordeal began six months ago when he started experiencing recurrent episodes of weakness in his right arm and leg, coupled with difficulty in speech and comprehension. Despite seeking medical assistance from various doctors, the root cause of his distress remained elusive. It was not until he was admitted to a private hospital that the underlying issue was finally uncovered.

According to a report published in the Times of India, medical experts revealed that Johar's blood vessels had constricted significantly due to the effects of smoking, resulting in a blood supply of only 90 percent to the right side of his brain, while the left side remained almost entirely blocked.

This severe restriction in blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain was identified as the leading cause behind the repeated mini-strokes that plagued Johar's life.

"Initially, these episodes would occur 1-2 times every week and lasted less than five minutes, but gradually, the frequency increased to multiple episodes per day along with an increase in the duration of these attacks, which used to last for more than 10-15 minutes," said Dr. Vinit Banga, the associate director of neurology and head of neurovascular intervention at the hospital, TOI reported.

Now, with intracranial stenting, Johan is on the road to recovery.

Symptoms of a Mini-Stroke or TIA:
1. Sudden Weakness or Numbness: Mini-strokes can cause weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, typically on one side of the body.

2. Difficulty Speaking: Individuals may experience sudden confusion, slurred speech, or difficulty understanding and forming coherent sentences.

3. Vision Disturbances: Blurred vision, double vision, or temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes can occur during a mini-stroke.

4. Dizziness and Loss of Balance: A mini-stroke may lead to dizziness, loss of balance, or unexplained falls.

5. Severe Headache: Some people experience a sudden, severe headache during a mini-stroke.

Common Causes:

1. Atherosclerosis: A major cause of mini-strokes is the build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) in the arteries, leading to the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that supply the brain.

2. Blood Clots: Blood clots can form in the blood vessels, blocking the flow of blood to the brain. These clots may originate in other parts of the body and travel to the brain (embolism).

3. High Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension is a significant risk factor for TIAs, as it can damage blood vessels and disrupt blood flow to the brain.

4. Heart Conditions: Irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the heart and being transported to the brain.

5. Diabetes: Diabetes can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and increase the risk of mini-strokes.

6. Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, making it a significant risk factor for mini-strokes.

7. Excessive Alcohol Use: Heavy alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of mini-strokes.