Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A Brief Stroke and a Warning Sign

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a stroke that lasts only a few minutes. It happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is briefly blocked.

Symptoms

TIA symptoms are like those of other strokes but do not last as long. They come on suddenly and include:

• numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• confusion, or trouble speaking or understanding speech;
• trouble seeing in one or both eyes;
• difficulty walking;
• dizziness;
• loss of balance or coordination.

Most symptoms disappear within an hour, though they can last up to 24 hours.

Go to hospital

You cannot tell whether the symptoms come from a TIA or a stroke, so go to the hospital right away. TIAs are often a warning of a stroke to come.

Lowering the risk

Medicines such as blood thinners may lower the risk of a stroke, and a doctor might also recommend surgery. A healthy lifestyle helps too: not smoking, not drinking too much, eating a healthy diet and exercising. It is also important to control other health problems, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Sources

• MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Transient Ischemic Attack," drawing on the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://medlineplus.gov/transientischemicattack.html
• Rewritten in hubnx's own words.