A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke, occurs when blood flow to part of the brain stops for a short period of time.
While a TIA can mimic the symptoms of a stroke, the symptoms of a TIA last only a few minutes at most — the average length of a TIA is about one minute.
Additionally, unlike a stroke, most TIAs don't cause permanent damage.
However, a TIA should be taken seriously.
According to the National Stroke Association, about 40 percent of people who have a TIA will eventually have a stroke, with about half occurring a few days after a TIA.
Causes of TIA
The reason a TIA occurs is usually one of the following:
- Low blood flow at a narrow part of a major artery carrying blood to the brain
- A blood clot in another part of the body (such as the heart) breaks off, travels to the brain, and blocks a blood vessel in the brain
- Plaque build-up which decreases the blood flow through an artery or leads to the development of a clot
Risk Factors for TIA
The following factors may increase your risk for TIA:
Family history: If a family member has had a TIA or a stroke, you're at greater risk.
Age: As you get older, and especially after 55, your risk of a TIA increases.
Gender: While men are at a slightly greater risk of TIA and stroke, more than half of deaths from stroke occur in women.
Race: African Americans have a higher risk of dying from stroke, partly because high blood pressure and diabetes are more prevalent in this population.
History: According to Mayo Clinic, you're 10 times more likely to have a stroke if you've had one or more TIAs.
Sickle cell anemia: TIA is a complication associated with sickle cell anemia.
High blood pressure: If your high blood pressure is uncontrolled, your risk of stroke increases.
High cholesterol: Eating high cholesterol foods and foods high in saturated and trans fats can contribute to plaque build-up in your arteries.
Cardiovascular disease: Heart failure, a heart defect, a heart infection, or an abnormal heart rhythm can increase your chances of a stroke.
Carotid artery disease: With this disease, the blood vessels in your neck that lead to your brain become clogged.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD): The blood vessels that carry blood to your arms and legs become clogged.
Diabetes: Diabetes increases the severity of narrowing of the arteries.
High levels of homocysteine: Elevated levels of homocysteine in your blood can cause your arteries to thicken and scar, making them more susceptible to clots.
Being overweight: A body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher and a waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women or 40 inches in men increases TIA risk.
Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of blood clots, raises your blood pressure, and contributes to the development of cholesterol-containing fatty deposits in your arteries.
Sedentary lifestyle: You can reduce your risk by getting 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a day.
Poor nutrition: Eating too much fat and salt increases your risk of TIA and stroke.
Heavy drinking: Men should drink no more than two drinks daily and women should stick to one drink daily to reduce their risk of stroke.
Drug use: Cocaine and other illicit drugs should be avoided.
Birth control pills: Taking certain hormone therapies may affect your risk of TIA and stroke.
Last Updated: 5/5/2015