What is a TIA?Blood is carried to your brain by blood vessels called arteries. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients for your brain cells. If the blood supply to your brain is blocked, your brain cells will die. Show A transient ischaemic attack happens when the blood supply to your brain is blocked temporarily. When the blood supply is stopped, the brain cells in the area start dying, and you experience signs that something is wrong. If the blockage clears and the blood supply starts again, the brain gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs and the signs disappear. This makes a TIA different to a stroke, where the brain cells die and your brain is permanently damaged. Transient ischaemic [is-key-mick] attack is often shortened to ‘TIA’. After a TIA, your risk of stroke is higher. Stroke can lead to death or disability. A TIA is a warning that you may have a stroke and an opportunity to prevent this from happening. SignsA TIA should never be ignored. The risk of stroke is highest in the first few hours and days after a TIA. You should call 000 immediately even if the signs go away and you feel better. The FAST test is an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke and TIA. The signs are the same as for a stroke, but they completely disappear within a short time. Often, they are only often present for a few minutes. The signs can be different for different people, depending on which part of the brain is affected. There can be other signs, such as:
It is important to make your family and friends aware of the signs of stroke and the need to call 000 immediately. TestsYour doctor will want to know about your signs – what they were, how long they lasted and whether you have had them before. This will help distinguish between a TIA and other possible causes. Your doctor will do a series of tests. These vary from person to person and may include: Brain scansComputerised tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) take detailed pictures of your brain. After a suspected TIA, everyone should have a brain scan. A brain scan is used to decide if you have had a TIA, a small stroke (with no ongoing impacts) or something that ‘mimics’ a TIA. There are other conditions that mimic TIA, so expert review is needed to distinguish TIAs from these other conditions. If you have had a TIA, your scan will not show any signs of recent brain injury. Imaging of the arteriesArteries carry blood from the heart to the brain. Tests can see how the blood flows through the arteries, as damaged or blocked arteries in the neck can cause TIA. This is done in a variety of ways including ultrasound, CT angiogram or magnetic resonance angiogram. Blood pressure checkAfter an initial check of your blood pressure, you may need it measured regularly. Heart testsAn electrocardiogram (ECG) tests for abnormal heart rhythm. Everyone suspected of having had a TIA should have an ECG. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart condition in which your heart beats out of rhythm. Atrial fibrillation increases your risk of stroke, so testing for atrial fibrillation is very important after a TIA. You may also need to wear a Holter monitor for 24 hours or longer. This checks your heart rhythm over an extended period of time. Your doctor may also order an echocardiogram (cardiac echo or ECHO) which is an ultrasound test that looks at the structures of the heart, as well blood flow within the heart. Blood testsThese tests are used to check your health. Blood tests can cover:
Your doctor will discuss your test results with you so you have a better understanding of what has happened and what you need to do. Your doctor will make a plan for follow up, including referrals and appointments. You may need to go back to the hospital for further tests. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist. It is important to go to these appointments, even if you are feeling better. DrivingYou must not drive for two weeks after a TIA. If you have a commercial driving licence, you must not drive for four weeks. If you drive before this time, you might be criminally liable if you have an accident. Also, your insurance may not cover you. If you are unsure, check with your doctor and with the licensing authority in your state. The rules about driving are different for different medical conditions, which means it is important to have it confirmed by your doctor that you have had a TIA. For more information contact your State licensing authority. DownloadDownload this resource Transient ischaemic attack – Signs, treatment and reducing your risk (PDF 2.55 MB)
TIA symptoms are similar to stroke symptoms but do not last as long and result in no permanent brain injury. TIAs should be considered a warning of the likelihood of a coming stroke.
A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This can happen when a blood vessel in the brain bursts (hemorrhagic stroke), or when there is some type of blockage that cuts off blood supply (ischemic stroke). When brain cells are deprived of oxygen, they die. What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also sometimes referred to as a “mini-stroke,” starts like a stroke but only lasts from several minutes up to 24 hours. Unlike a stroke, a TIA does not kill the brain cells, so there is no lasting damage to the brain. However, when a TIA begins, there is no way to tell if a person is having a stroke or a TIA. Approximately 240,000 adults in the United States experiences a TIA each year. At least another 690,000 adults experience an ischemic stroke. Approximately 15 percent of all patients who have experienced a stroke have had a previous TIA. Patients with TIAs are at a particularly increased risk of having a stroke within the following days to weeks. TIAs should be considered warning signs of potential future strokes. What are the risk factors for a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke?Some factors cannot be modified (such as age), while others can (smoking). Risks of TIA and stroke include:
The symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and a stroke do not differ. Symptoms generally come on suddenly and can include:
If stroke or TIA symptoms appear, it is very important to go to the ER to get immediate medical help, even if symptoms resolve!
Patients who experience a TIA should be seen by medical providers immediately. Evaluation includes examination by a doctor and diagnostic testing. The doctor will do some simple quick checks to test your vision, muscle strength, and ability to think and speak. Diagnostic testing consists of either a computed tomogram (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain and carotid arteries to determine the possible cause of the TIA. Other tests include an electrocardiogram (ECG) of the heart, heart rate, body temperature, sleep study (to look for sleep apnea) and blood work (to look for risk factors for stroke – see above -- that can be treated). Acute Stroke Treatments Because transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are considered to be “mini strokes,” the general approach to treating and preventing TIAs is the same as that used to treat and prevent strokes. Drug treatments based on specific medical findings include:
If atherosclerosis (fatty deposits/“plaques”) are found in the carotid arteries -- the artery that supplies blood to the brain, carotid surgery may be recommended. One of two surgical approaches might be recommended:
To reduce the risk of a future TIAs or strokes, follow these tips:
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/26/2018. References
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