Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is an event, sometimes called a mini-stroke, with stroke symptoms that last less than 24 hours before disappearing. Generally no permanent brain damage occurs, but TIAs are a serious warning sign of stroke and should not be ignored.
The symptoms of a TIA are basically the same as Stroke symptoms.
If you suspect someone of having a Stroke or a TIA, act F.A.S.T. Call 119 immediately.
The goal of TIA management is to prevent a future Stroke. The medicine and therapy used depends on the exact cause of the TIA. In addition to lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, your doctor may recommend drugs to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease. These changes may reduce your risk of further TIA or Stroke.
While transient ischemic attack (TIA) is often labeled “mini-stroke,” it is more accurately characterized as a “warning stroke,” a warning you should take very seriously.
TIA is caused by a clot; the only difference between a stroke and TIA is that with TIA the blockage is transient (temporary). TIA symptoms occur rapidly and last a relatively short time. Most TIAs last less than five minutes; the average is about a minute. When a TIA is over, it usually causes no permanent injury to the brain.
FACT: Up to 40 percent of all people who experience a TIA will go on to have an actual stroke.
FACT: Most studies show that nearly half of all strokes occur within the first two days after a TIA.
FACT: Within two days after a TIA, 5 percent of people will have a stroke.
FACT: Within three months after a TIA, 10 to 15 percent of people will have a stroke.
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is sometimes called a "mini-stroke." It is different from the major types of stroke because blood flow to the brain is blocked for only a short time—usually no more than 5 minutes.
TIA Risk Calculator
Have you had stroke-like symptoms that only lasted temporarily? TIA risk calculator was created to help you understand your risk for stroke or TIAs. Answer the questions and see how you compared to others who have answered the same questions.
Heart disease and stroke statistics—2013 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2012:e2–241.
American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack), stroke.org
It is important to know that
Watch This interactive Animation of a TIA
If a survivor experiences TIA after they have had a stroke, they should go to the emergency room immediately because something in their treatment plan has not worked.
There should be no difference in response to a TIA or a stroke. Although a TIA resolves itself before there is permanent damage, there is no way to predict which clots will dissolve on their own.
Stroke — and TIA — are medical emergencies; In Jamaica, dial 1-1-9 and tell the operator you think it’s a stroke and note the time the symptoms started. If you live in a rural area...just get yourself or your loved one to the hospital ASAP. Remember: Time lost is brain lost.
F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the sudden signs and symptoms of a stroke.
Additional signs of a stroke may include:
TIAs are usually caused by one of three things:
Some important facts to keep in mind include: