Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Symptoms, causes, and treatment – Medical News Today

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a ministroke, occurs when the blood supply to the brain temporarily stops.
The reduced blood supply does not usually last for longer than 5 minutes, but a TIA is still a medical emergency. It may be a warning of a major stroke to come.
Many people do not seek help for a TIA because the symptoms pass quickly. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that more than one-third of people who do not receive treatment for a TIA have a major stroke within a year.
Additional statistics suggest that 20% of those who have a TIA have a stroke within 3 months, and half of these will happen within 2 days of the TIA.
Knowing the symptoms of a TIA and getting help quickly may help prevent a more severe and possibly life threatening event.
In this article, learn more about what a TIA involves and which action to take if one occurs.
A TIA causes similar symptoms to those of a stroke, but it is temporary. The reduced blood supply usually only lasts for a few seconds, and the symptoms tend to last for minutes. Rarely, they can last for up to a few hours.
TIAs occur when a blood clot blocks blood flow and prevents oxygen from reaching the brain cells for a short while. When the clot breaks up or moves on, the symptoms tend to resolve. These events do not last long enough to cause permanent damage to brain cells.
The American Stroke Association urge people not to ignore a TIA, as it can be a warning sign for a major stroke.
Statistics suggest that TIAs affect around 2% of the population of the United States.
The symptoms of a TIA will depend on which part of the brain is not receiving adequate blood flow.
As with a major stroke, the acronym FAST (face, arms, speech, time) can help people remember the symptoms to look for:
The person may also have:
TIA symptoms are temporary. They can last for a few minutes to a few hours, and they usually disappear completely after 24 hours.
However, it is essential to seek medical help at once if anyone has symptoms that may indicate a TIA because a major stroke may follow.
The same factors that lead to the temporary insufficiency of blood flow in a TIA can cause a stroke due to longer lasting blood flow reduction, which can lead to permanent brain damage.
Learn more about what to do if someone has a stroke here.
The symptoms of a TIA can resemble those of other conditions, such as:
Getting an accurate diagnosis can help a person access the right treatment to help lower the risk of a future stroke, even if the symptoms of the TIA have already passed.
A TIA occurs when there is a disruption in the supply of oxygen to the brain. This may be due to:
The risk factors for a TIA are similar to those for a stroke. Some of these are preventable.
The following factors can increase the risk of experiencing a TIA:
Treatment will depend on the cause of the TIA. The following sections will look at some of the options.
A doctor may prescribe medications to lower the risk of another blood clot and a major stroke.
The options will depend on the cause of the TIA but commonly include:
All of these drugs can have adverse effects, and they may also interact with other medications.
For this reason, people should inform a doctor about any other drugs they are taking, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies.
If a person experiences adverse effects while using a drug, they should speak with a doctor. An alternative may be available.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to remove a blockage or part of a damaged artery.
A number of lifestyle measures can help reduce the risk of experiencing a TIA or stroke. These include:
It is best to discuss a suitable strategy with a healthcare professional before making any significant lifestyle changes, such as starting a new exercise regimen.
Anyone experiencing signs or symptoms of a TIA needs an immediate medical assessment to find out why it happened and how to prevent a recurrence or more severe event.
The symptoms can pass quickly and may no longer be present when the person reaches a doctor. However, a person who was present at the time may be able to help the individual explain the event to the doctor.
The doctor will likely:
If the doctor believes that the person had a TIA, they may refer them to a neurologist for further testing.
Possible tests include:
The doctor may also ask the person to wear a Holter monitor for a few days or weeks to measure their heart rhythms over time.
When a person has a TIA, the symptoms may last for only a few minutes. However, it is essential to receive medical attention, as a TIA can be a warning sign for a major stroke.
Symptoms of a TIA include weakness and numbness on one side of the body, drooping on one side of the face, and difficulty speaking. If anyone experiences these symptoms, someone should call 911 immediately.
Treatment options following a TIA include lifestyle measures and the use of medication to reduce the risk of future blood clots.
Last medically reviewed on February 16, 2021
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