Transient ischemic attacks

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by loss of blood flow (ischemia) in the brain, spinal cord, or retina, without tissue death (infarction). TIAs have the same underlying cause as strokes: a disruption of cerebral blood flow (CBF), and are often referred to as mini-strokes.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a TIA are similar to that of stroke, but they do not last as long. They happen suddenly, and include numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body. Other symptoms include confusion or difficulty in talking or understanding speech; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; and difficulty with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.

Causes

The main cause of TIA is a blockage of blood flow to the brain, which can be due to a clot in the brain or in a blood vessel leading to the brain, or a clot that travels to the brain from another part of the body. Other causes can include narrowing of the smaller blood vessel in the brain, inflammation, a blood clot in the heart, or a narrowing of the carotid artery.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of TIA is often based on the patient's medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include a CT scan or MRI of the brain, and carotid ultrasonography to view the blood vessels in the neck.

Treatment

Treatment for TIA depends on the cause of the attack. It may include medication to prevent clots or to treat other conditions that increase the risk of TIA, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove a blockage in the carotid artery.

Prognosis

The prognosis for TIA is generally good, but it can be a warning sign of a future stroke. Therefore, it's important to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you've had a TIA.

See also

• Stroke
• Ischemia
• Infarction

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