Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are often referred to as mini-strokes as they have similar symptoms to a stroke but typically only last for a few minutes or hours.

TIAs are caused by a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, which can lead to a variety of symptoms depending on which part of the brain is affected.

Symptoms of TIA

The symptoms of TIA can vary depending on which part of the brain has been affected, but typically include:.

Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Poor coordination or balance
Dizziness or vertigo
Visual disturbances such as double vision or loss of vision in one eye
Headache

It is important to note that TIA symptoms usually resolve on their own within a few minutes to hours, which is why they are often referred to as mini-strokes.

Causes of TIA

TIA is caused by a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, which can be caused by:.

A blood clot
A burst blood vessel
Narrowing of a blood vessel due to fatty deposits

These conditions can be caused by a variety of underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking. In some cases, TIA can also be caused by a heart condition such as atrial fibrillation.

Treatment for TIA

Most people who experience a TIA recover fully within a few hours with no lasting effects.

However, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after experiencing the symptoms of a TIA, as they can be a warning sign of a more serious stroke or other health condition.

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After a TIA, your doctor may recommend medication to prevent future episodes, such as:.

Antiplatelet drugs – such as aspirin or clopidogrel – which help prevent blood clots
Anticoagulant drugs – such as warfarin or dabigatran – which help prevent blood clots and are usually recommended if you have atrial fibrillation
Statins – which help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of fatty deposits in the blood vessels

In some cases, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of future TIAs, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, or making dietary changes to reduce cholesterol levels.

Prevention of TIA

Although TIAs are often sudden and unpredictable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing one:.

Keep your blood pressure under control
Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly
Eat a healthy diet
Quit smoking if you smoke
Drink alcohol in moderation

If you have an underlying health condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for managing it to reduce the risk of TIA.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any symptoms of a TIA – even if they resolve on their own – it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is because TIAs can be a warning sign of a more serious stroke or other health condition.

In addition to seeking medical attention for TIA symptoms, it is important to seek emergency medical attention if you or someone you know experiences:.