Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

What Is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) - also known as a “mini-stroke” - occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly blocked. Unlike a full ischemic stroke, a TIA doesn’t cause permanent brain damage, and symptoms usually resolve within minutes to a few hours. But a TIA is a serious warning sign that a major stroke may occur in the near future.

Who Is Affected?

Anyone can have a TIA, but the risk increases with age. Most TIAs occur in people over age 55, and they are more common in men and in individuals with underlying conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. People who have already had a TIA are at much greater risk of having a full-blown stroke within days or weeks.

What Causes a TIA?

A TIA is typically caused by a temporary blockage in a blood vessel leading to the brain. This blockage can be due to:

• A small blood clot (often from the heart or arteries)
• Plaque buildup (atherosclerosis)
• A narrowed artery that temporarily restricts blood flow

Risk Factors

Not Controllable:

• Age over 55
• Family history of stroke or TIA
• Gender (higher risk in men)
• Race/ethnicity (African American and Hispanic individuals are at higher risk)

Controllable:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Excessive alcohol or drug use

How to Reduce Your Risk

You can help prevent TIA and future strokes by:

• Managing high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
• Quitting smoking
• Exercising regularly
• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Limiting alcohol and avoiding drug use
• Taking prescribed medications for heart rhythm problems or blood clots

Common TIA Symptoms

TIA symptoms are identical to those of a full stroke, but they resolve within a shorter period of time. Recognize stroke symptoms using the BE FAST acronym:

• BALANCE: If there is a sudden loss of balance or coordination
• EYES: If there is a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes or if vision becomes blurry
• FACIAL DROOPING: If there is a sudden weakness in the face – especially on only one side
• ARM WEAKNESS: If there is sudden weakness in an arm or leg
• SPEECH: If there is a sudden difficulty speaking or slurring of speech
• TIME TO CALL 911

Other symptoms may include:

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

How Is a TIA Diagnosed?

Even if symptoms go away, a TIA is a medical emergency. Doctors will evaluate:

• Detailed symptom history and duration
• Medical and family history
• Neurological exam

Diagnostic Tests

• CT scan or MRI: Helps rule out a stroke or other brain issues.
• Carotid ultrasound: Checks for narrowing in the neck arteries.
• Echocardiogram: Assesses heart for clot sources.
• EKG: Detects abnormal heart rhythms like AFib.
• Blood tests: Evaluate cholesterol, blood sugar, and clotting function.

How Is a TIA Treated?

Though TIAs resolve quickly, treatment focuses on preventing a full stroke.

Medical Treatments

• Antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin) or anticoagulants (like warfarin or DOACs)
• Cholesterol-lowering medications (statins)
• Blood pressure medications

Surgical & Interventional Options

• Carotid endarterectomy: Removes plaque from a narrowed artery
• Carotid artery stenting: Keeps an artery open with a small mesh tube

Lifestyle Modifications

• Adopt a low-sodium, heart-healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol
• Monitor blood pressure and cholesterol closely

Why You Should Call 911 Immediately

Even if symptoms go away, you should never ignore a stroke or TIA. Recognize the symptoms using the BE FAST acronym and call 911 if you or someone else experiences:

• BALANCE: If there is a sudden loss of balance or coordination
• EYES: If there is a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes or if vision becomes blurry
• FACIAL DROOPING: If there is a sudden weakness in the face – especially on only one side
• ARM WEAKNESS: If there is sudden weakness in an arm or leg
• SPEECH: If there is a sudden difficulty speaking or slurring of speech
• TIME TO CALL 911

Other symptoms may include:

• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Even if symptoms go away, it is still a medical emergency, and you need to call 911.

Time is brain - you need emergency evaluation to prevent a larger, potentially deadly stroke.

• Take TIA symptoms seriously and seek emergency care, even if they go away.
• Follow up with your healthcare provider for a personalized stroke prevention plan.
• Control your risk factors through medication and lifestyle.
• Know your numbers: Track your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels.
• Educate your loved ones so they can recognize stroke symptoms, too.