What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
people call a transient ischemic attack (TIA) a mini-stroke, because the
symptoms are like those of a
stroke but don't last long. A TIA happens when blood
flow to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, often by a blood clot. After a
short time, blood flows again and the symptoms go away. With a stroke, the
blood flow stays blocked, and the brain has permanent damage.
TIA is a warning: it means you are likely to have a stroke in the future. If
you think you are having a TIA, call 911. Early treatment can help prevent a
stroke. If you think you have had a TIA but your symptoms have gone away, you
still need to call your doctor right away.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of a TIA are the same as symptoms of a stroke. But symptoms of a TIA occur suddenly and don't last very long. Most of the time, they go away in 10 to 20 minutes. They may include:
- Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or paralysis in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
- Sudden vision changes.
- Sudden trouble speaking.
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
- Sudden problems with walking or balance.
- A sudden, severe headache that is different from past headaches.
What causes a transient ischemic attack?
clot is the most common cause of a TIA. Blood clots can be the result of
hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis),
heart attack, or
abnormal heart rhythms. Brain cells are affected
within seconds of the blockage. That causes symptoms in the parts of the body
controlled by those cells. After the clot dissolves, blood flow returns, and the
symptoms go away.
Sometimes a TIA is caused by a sharp drop in
blood pressure that reduces blood flow to the brain. This is called a
"low-flow" TIA. It is not as common as other types.
What tests do you need after a TIA?
Your doctor will
do tests to look at your heart and blood vessels. You may need:
Your doctor will also check to see if something else is
causing your symptoms.
How is a TIA treated?
Your doctor will start you on
medicines to help prevent a stroke. You may need to take several
If tests show that the blood vessels (carotid arteries) in your neck are too narrow, you may
need surgery to open them up (carotid endarterectomy). This can help prevent
blood clots that block blood flow to your brain.
Another type of surgery is
carotid artery stenting. During this surgery, the doctor puts a small tube
stent inside your carotid artery. This helps keep the
artery open. Carotid artery stenting is not as common as endarterectomy.
How can you prevent another TIA or stroke?
After you have had a
TIA, you are at risk for having another TIA or a stroke. But you can make some important
lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk of stroke and improve your overall
Treat any health problems you have
- Manage high blood pressure or high cholesterol by working with your doctor.
- Manage diabetes. Keep your blood sugar levels within a target range.
- If your doctor recommends that you take aspirin or a blood thinner, take it. This can help prevent a stroke.
- Take your medicine exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle
- Don't smoke or allow others to smoke around you.
- Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women.
- Stay at a healthy weight. Being overweight makes it more likely that you will develop high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes. These conditions make a stroke more likely.
- Do activities that raise your heart rate. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Walking is a good choice. You also may want to do other activities, such as running, swimming, cycling, or playing tennis or team sports.
- Eat a balanced diet that is low in cholesterol, saturated fats, and salt. These foods can make hardening of the arteries worse. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Eat fish at least once a month.
Frequently Asked Questions