A transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops for a brief time. A person will have stroke-like symptoms for up to 24 hours. In most cases, the symptoms last for 1 to 2 hours.
A transient ischemic attack is a warning sign that a true
may happen in the future (often near future) if something is not done to prevent it.
A TIA is different than a stroke. After a TIA, the blockage breaks up quickly and dissolves on its own. A TIA does not cause brain tissue to die.
The loss of blood flow to an area of the brain can be caused by:
A blood clot in an artery of the brain
A blood clot that travels to the brain from somewhere else in the body (for example, from the heart)
An injury to blood vessels
Narrowing of a blood vessel in the brain or leading to the brain
is the main risk factor for TIAs and stroke. Other major
are:
Irregular heartbeat called
Family history of stroke
Being male
Tendency to have abnormal blood clotting
Increasing age, especially after age 55
Ethnicity (African Americans are more likely to die of stroke)
Smoking
Alcohol use
Recreational drug use
History of prior TIA or stroke
People who have heart disease or
caused by narrowed arteries are also more likely to have a TIA or stroke.
Symptoms begin suddenly, last a short time (from a few minutes to 1 to 2 hours), and go away. They may occur again at a later time.
The symptoms of a TIA are the same as the symptoms of a stroke, and include:
(including sleepiness or unconsciousness)
Changes in the senses (such as hearing, vision, taste, and touch)
Mental changes (such as
, memory loss, difficulty writing or reading, trouble speaking or understanding others)
Muscle problems (such as weakness,
, trouble walking)
or loss of balance and coordination
Lack of control over the bladder or bowels
Sensation problems (such as numbness or tingling on one side of the body)
While the symptoms and signs of a TIA may go away by the time you get to the hospital, it is important to be evaluated right away. In the event your symptoms don't go away, all treatments are more effective the sooner they are given. Someone with a TIA is also very likely to have a stroke in the following days to weeks. A TIA diagnosis may be made based on your medical history alone.
Your health care provider will do a complete physical exam to check for heart and blood vessel problems. You will also be checked for nerve and muscle problems.
Your provider will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and arteries. An abnormal sound called a bruit may be heard when listening to the carotid artery in your neck or other artery. A bruit is caused by irregular blood flow.
Tests will be done to check for a stroke or other disorders that may cause the symptoms:
You will likely have a
or
. A stroke may show changes on these tests, but TIAs will not.
You may have an
, CT angiogram, or MR angiogram to see which blood vessel is blocked or bleeding.
You may have an
if your provider thinks you may have a blood clot from the heart.
You may have a
. It can show if the carotid arteries in your neck have narrowed.
You will likely have an
(ECG) and
tests to check for an irregular heartbeat.
Your provider may do other tests to check for high blood pressure, heart disease including an irregular heartbeat, diabetes, high cholesterol, and other causes of, and risk factors for TIAs or stroke. You may have an
test to check if your symptoms are not due to a
.
If you have had a TIA within the last 48 hours, you will likely be admitted to the hospital so that your providers can search for the cause and monitor you.
High blood pressure, heart disease,
, high cholesterol, and blood disorders will be treated as needed. You will be encouraged to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of further symptoms. Changes include
,
, and
.
You may receive blood thinners, such as
, heparin, warfarin, or direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) to reduce blood clotting. Some people who have blocked neck arteries may need surgery (
). If you have an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) or other heart problems, you will be treated to avoid future complications.
TIAs do not cause lasting damage to the brain.
But, TIAs are a warning sign that you may have a true stroke in the coming days or months. Some people who have a TIA will have a stroke within 3 months. Half of these strokes happen during the 48 hours after a TIA. The stroke may occur that same day or at a later time. Some people have only a single TIA, and others have more than one TIA.
You can reduce your chances of a future stroke by following up with your provider to manage your risk factors.
A TIA is a medical emergency. Call 911 or the local emergency number right away. Do not ignore symptoms just because they go away. They may be a warning of a future stroke.
Follow your provider's instructions on how to prevent TIAs and strokes. You will likely be told to make lifestyle changes and take medicines to treat high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Mini stroke; TIA; Little stroke; Cerebrovascular disease - TIA; Carotid artery - TIA
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Updated by: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.