What is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a mini-stroke which only lasts for a few minutes with no permanent damage. It happens when the blood flow to the brain is briefly stopped.
What are the symptoms of Transient Ischemic Attacks?
Dysphasia
Dysarthria
Changes in vision
Confusion
Balance issues
Tingling
Altered consciousness
Dizziness
Severe headache
Abnormal sense of taste and smell
Weakness or numbness on one part of the body
- Blood clots
- Hypertension
- Atherosclerosis
- Carotid artery disease
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
That can be changed
- High BP
- High Cholesterol
- Cardiovascular disease
- Carotid artery disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Diabetes
- Excess weight
- Smoking
- Inactivity
- Poor nutrition
- Long term use of birth control pills
Things that can not be controlled
- Age
- Sex
- Prior transient ischemic attack
- Sickle cell disease
- Race
Diagnosis of TIA is not possible on the medical event alone as it is short lived.
- Physical examination and tests
- Carotid ultrasonography
- CT
- MRI
- MRA
- Echocardiography
- Arteriography
- The doctor will recommend correcting the abnormality to prevent future incidents of strokes through medications such as antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants
- Surgery might be recommended if the blood vessels are too narrow.