Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Transient Ischemic Attack Overview

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke, is a disturbance in brain function caused by a temporary blockage of blood to the brain.

The symptoms of a TIA are the same as those of an ischemic stroke, but TIAs do not result in lasting brain damage. The blockage causing the TIA becomes dislodged or is dissolved by natural clot dissolvers in the blood, called anticoagulants, and blood flow to the brain is restored before any permanent damage occurs.

A TIA is also called a “warning stroke” because about a third of the people who have a TIA have a more severe stroke within a year. Taking steps to prevent a stroke is an important way to respond to a TIA.

Even though a TIA may resolve within minutes, anyone who has stroke-like symptoms should dial 9-1-1 immediately. It is never safe to assume symptoms will resolve on their own.

Recognizing a stroke quickly and calling 9-1-1 leads to faster diagnosis and treatment and better recovery. People should “BE FAST” when it comes to stroke.

Here’s how to BE FAST:

• B – BALANCE: Ask the person to walk. Do they have trouble keeping their balance or walking normally?
• E – EYES: Ask the person about their eyesight. Have they lost vision or experienced vision changes in one or both eyes?
• F – FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
• A – ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S – SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
• T – TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Symptoms of TIA may include:

• Blindness in one or both eyes
• Difficulty speaking (for example, slurred speech)
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Double vision
• Generalized weakness on both sides of the body
• Impaired consciousness (such as confusion)
• Loss of coordination
• Seizure
• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Urinary incontinence

Stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, call 9-1-1 and seek medical attention immediately.

In an emergency setting, your doctor may administer thrombolytic agents (tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA) to dissolve blood clots that are blocking blood flow to the brain.

If your neurologist determines that partial blockage of your carotid artery (the blood vessel on each side of the neck that carries blood to the brain) is responsible for your stroke, one of the following medical procedures may be recommended:

• Carotid endarterectomy –a surgical procedure to clear carotid arteries of fatty deposits
• Carotid angioplasty –uses a balloon-like device to open a clogged artery and places a small wire tube (stent) into the artery to keep it open

Additional transient ischemic attacks or ischemic strokes may be prevented by managing risk factors, such as quitting smoking, treatment of high blood pressure and heart disease, and control of blood sugar levels for those with diabetes.