Patient education: Transient ischemic attack (The Basics)

What is a transient ischemic attack? — A transient ischemic attack ("TIA") is when blood flow in the brain is blocked for a short time. This causes a person to have temporary stroke-like symptoms.

TIAs happen when an artery in the brain gets clogged, or closes off, and then reopens on its own. This can happen if a blood clot forms and then moves away or dissolves.

A person who has had a TIA is at higher risk of having a stroke.

What is the difference between TIA and stroke? — A TIA does not cause permanent damage to the brain like a stroke does. But the symptoms are the same. This can make it hard to tell if a person is having a TIA or a stroke.

With a stroke, the symptoms are long-lasting, while a TIA goes away quickly.

What causes a TIA? — Just like a stroke, a TIA can happen when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off for a short time. This can happen if a blood clot blocks the flow of blood through an artery in the brain and then dissolves or moves away. It can also happen if 1 of the small arteries in the brain begins to close off from the effects of high blood pressure.

What are the symptoms of a TIA? — The symptoms of a TIA are the same as the symptoms of a stroke. The symptoms usually start suddenly.

One way to help remember TIA or stroke symptoms is to think of the words "BE FAST" (figure 1). Each letter stands for 1 of the signs that you should watch for and what to do:

●Balance – Is the person having trouble standing or walking?

●Eyes – Is the person having trouble with their vision?

●Face – Does the person's face look uneven or droop on 1 side?

●Arm – Does the person have weakness or numbness in 1 or both arms? Does 1 arm drift down if the person tries to hold both arms out?

●Speech – Is the person having trouble speaking? Does their speech sound strange?

●Time – If you notice any of these stroke signs, even if they go away, call for an ambulance right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1). You need to act FAST. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery.

In the hospital, doctors can do tests to look for problems in the brain, blood vessels, and heart. This can help them understand the person's risk of having a stroke and choose the right treatment.

When should I call the doctor? — If you have had a TIA, it's important to remain watchful for the return of any symptoms.

Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you have any of the "BE FAST" signs listed above.

After being treated for a TIA, go to all of your follow-up appointments. Tell your doctor or nurse if you are not sure what you need to do.

What is the risk of stroke after TIA? — A person who has had a TIA is at high risk of having a stroke. This risk is highest in the first few days after the TIA. That is why it is so important to get medical attention right away if you think that you (or someone else) might have had a TIA.

How is a TIA treated? — TIAs are not usually treated directly. Instead, treatments are directed at reducing the risk that a person will go on to have a full-blown stroke. To lower your risk of stroke, you should:

●Take your medicines exactly as directed. Medicines that are especially important in preventing strokes include:

•Medicines to lower blood pressure

•Medicines called statins, which lower cholesterol

•Medicines to prevent blood clots, such as aspirin or blood thinners

•Medicines that help keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible (if you have diabetes)

●Make lifestyle changes:

•Stop smoking, if you smoke.

•Get regular exercise (if your doctor says that it's safe) for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.

•Lose weight, if you are overweight.

•Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products and low in meats, sweets, and refined grains (such as white bread or white rice).

•Eat less salt (sodium).

•Limit the amount of alcohol that you drink:

-For females, no more than 1 drink a day

-For males, no more than 2 drinks a day

Another way to prevent strokes is to have surgery or a procedure to reopen clogged arteries in the neck. This type of treatment is appropriate for only a small number of people.

More on this topic

Patient education: Stroke (The Basics)
Patient education: Medicines after an ischemic stroke (The Basics)
Patient education: Stroke rehabilitation exercises (The Basics)
Patient education: Taking care of someone after a stroke (The Basics)
Patient education: Carotid artery disease (The Basics)
Patient education: Carotid endarterectomy (The Basics)
Patient education: Carotid ultrasound (The Basics)

Patient education: Transient ischemic attack (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Stroke symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Hemorrhagic stroke treatment (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Ischemic stroke treatment (Beyond the Basics)