Transient Ischemic Attack

A transient ischemic attack is similar to a stroke, but is only a temporary blockage of blood supply to an area of the brain, which results in a sudden, brief decrease in brain function. It is also known as a mini stroke or TIA, but is  not the same as a stroke. The symptoms of TIAs go away in 60 minutes or less. Because the blood supply is only temporarily blocked, the blood clot may quickly dissolve, allowing blood to flow normally again. TIAs can be warnings that a true stroke may happen in the future if something is not done to prevent it. In fact, people who have a TIA are 9.5 times more likely to have a stroke. A brief interruption in the blood flow to the brain may be due to: narrowing of a blood vessel; a blood clot within the brain, a blood clot that travels to the brain from somewhere else (for example, the heart), or injury to blood vessels.

Atherosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries") is a condition where fatty deposits build up on the inner lining of the arteries which dramatically increases the risk for both TIAs and stroke. Approximately 80-90% of people who have a stroke due to atherosclerosis had a TIA episode before. In some cases, low blood pressure may be seen before symptoms of a TIA occur. Other risks include high blood pressure, heart disease, migraine headaches, smoking, diabetes, and increasing age. About a third of those diagnosed with TIA will later have a stroke. TIAs are more common among men and African Americans. Symptoms of TIA are the same as those that occur in stroke including: numbness, tingling, weakness, slurred speech, vision changes, lack of coordination, facial paralysis and confusion. The goal of treatment is to improve the arterial blood supply to the brain to prevent the development of a stroke. Treatment of recent TIA usually requires admission to the hospital for evaluation of the specific cause and determination of long-term treatment.

For additional information about TIAs, contact us.