Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) happen when one of the blood vessels that supply your brain with oxygen-rich blood becomes blocked. This interruption in the flow of blood to the brain means it cannot do some of its normal functions properly, leading to symptoms such as slurred speech and weakness.
TIAs look like strokes in terms of signs and symptoms, but they are temporary. In other words, they leave no lasting brain damage or residual symptoms. However, they serve as a warning sign that a person is at higher risk of a major stroke and should seek immediate medical attention.
A TIA is a brief interruption of blood flow to part of the brain, spinal cord or retina, which may cause temporary stroke-like symptoms but does not damage brain cells or cause permanent disability.
Weakness, numbness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg, typically on one side of the body. Slurred or garbled speech or difficulty understanding others. Blindness in one or both eyes or double vision. Vertigo or loss of balance or coordination.
During a TIA, 1 of the blood vessels that supply your brain with oxygen-rich blood becomes blocked. This blockage is usually caused by a blood clot that's formed elsewhere in your body and travelled to the blood vessels supplying the brain, although it can also be caused by pieces of fatty material or air bubbles.
What Causes a TIA? TIAs typically happen because a blood clot gets lodged in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. Without regular blood flow, your brain is starved for oxygen and can't work like it normally does.
TIA reduces survival by 4% in the first year and by 20% within 9 years. TIA has a minimal effect on mortality in patients <50 years but heralds significant reduction in life expectancy in those >65 years.
In a previously reported study, 31% of TIA patients showed an acute infarction visualized by MRI including DWI. A strong association was found between neurological symptoms, speech dysfunction and weakness and an evidence of acute infarction by MRI including DWI (Al-Khaled and Eggers, 2013).
Some people might have more than one TIA and it is possible to have several TIAs in a short space of time (for example, several TIAs within a day).
However, mounting evidence suggests that an MRI within 1 to 2 days of a TIA could spot evidence of a stroke that may disappear in time. MRIs can detect tissue damage even when symptoms are temporary. The sophisticated imaging technique can detect stroke lesions that may become less apparent quickly.
Always treat a TIA as seriously as you would a stroke. "Even though the symptoms resolve, there might be damage to the brain, so you need to see a neurologist," Dr. Rost advises.
Because mild strokes do not typically cause major impairments, recovery is usually fast. Sometimes recovery from a mild stroke can occur within 3-6 months. Other times it can take longer. There are many variables that affect the time it takes to recover.
Higher levels of stress, hostility and depressive symptoms are associated with significantly increased risk of incident stroke or TIA in middle-aged and older adults.
Memory loss due to a TIA is often temporary and the medical team may decide to observe the patient's symptoms for a while before choosing a treatment plan.
If the TIA causes any brain cells to die, it shows up as little white dots on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, as shown above.
The clot dissolves on its own and all symptoms resolve within 24 hours. Although TIA isn't a stroke, the condition should be treated just as seriously. Experiencing TIA is a warning that you may be at high risk for a stroke. To address this risk, it should be treated immediately.
The risk of subsequent stroke after a transient ischemic attack is between 2% and 17% within the first 90 days after the initial event.
The blockage in the blood vessels responsible for most TIAs is usually caused by a blood clot that's formed elsewhere in your body and travelled to the blood vessels supplying the brain. It can also be caused by pieces of fatty material or air bubbles.
You do not need to be admitted to hospital because of a TIA, but this is often done because of the absence of an alternative. Many TIA clinics now offer a “one-stop” service for which the patient is assessed, investigated (or investigated before the appointment), and given results at the same session.
A TIA is a warning that you're at risk of having a full stroke in the near future. An assessment can help doctors determine the best way to reduce the chances of this happening.
You will likely have a head CT scan or brain MRI. A stroke may show changes on these tests, but TIAs will not.
The brain damage that occurs with a stroke or a ministroke (transient ischemic attack) may increase your risk of developing dementia.
The best way to help prevent a TIA is to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and not smoke or drink too much alcohol.
A TIA or transient ischaemic attack (also known as a mini-stroke) is the same as a stroke, except that the symptoms last for a short amount of time and no longer than 24 hours.