What is a transient ischaemic attack – TIA?
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or 'mini stroke' happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted for a short period of time.
It is often called a 'mini-stroke', as the signs are the same as those of a stroke, but they do not last as long.
The signs of a TIA may disappear in a few minutes and last no longer than 24 hours. They are often a warning that a stroke may occur.
What are the signs of a TIA?
The signs of a TIA depend on which part of the brain is not getting enough blood. They are the same as the signs of stroke and may include one or all of the following:
Weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body
Difficulty speaking or understanding
Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall
Loss of vision, sudden blurred or decreased vision in one or both eyes
Headache, usually severe and of abrupt onset or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches
Difficulty swallowing
What should I do if I think I am having a TIA or mini stroke?
A TIA should never be ignored. If you, or someone you know, have any of the signs of a TIA, seek medical attention immediately.
Although the signs may be due to a migraine or an epileptic seizure, the sooner you seek help, the more likely the doctor will be able to say whether or not it was a TIA.
What should I do if the signs go away?
You should seek medical attention immediately even if the signs go away and you feel completely better.
A TIA is a strong warning that a stroke may happen. Stroke can lead to death or long term disability. It can be prevented with changes to your lifestyle or with medication. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.
What causes a TIA?
A TIA happens when blood going to the brain is stopped and then starts again. Blood is carried to the brain by blood vessels called arteries and a blood clot may cause a blockage that prevents blood moving through an artery. In some cases, a TIA may be caused by a small bleed in the brain.
When blood stops moving, the brain cannot get the oxygen and food it needs and brain cells in the area start to die. These cells usually die within minutes to a few hours after blood flow stops. Once blood flow starts again, the brain once again gets the oxygen and food it needs and the signs of TIA may disappear. Further clots may block blood flow to the brain for a short time (causing another TIA), or permanently (causing a stroke).
nhs
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or "mini stroke" is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain.
The disruption in blood supply results in a lack of oxygen to the brain. This can cause symptoms similar to those of astroke, such as speech and visual disturbance and numbness or weakness in the arms and legs.
However, a TIA does not last as long as a stroke. The effects only last for a few minutes and are usually fully resolved within 24 hours.
F.A.S.T.
The main signs and symptoms of a TIA can be identified by remembering the word F.A.S.T., which stands for Face-Arms-Speech-Time.
Face – the face may have fallen on one side, the person may be unable to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped
Arms – the person may not be able to raise both their arms and keep them there due to weakness or numbness in their arms
Speech – the person may have slurred speech
Time – if any of these signs or symptoms are present, it is time to dial 999 immediately
If the above signs and symptoms last longer than 24 hours, it is regarded as a full stroke.
It is important that a person who has a TIA is checked and treated as soon as possible to minimise the risk of having a further TIA or a full stroke. With treatment, the risk of a further TIA or full stroke can be greatly reduced.
Read more about how to recognise the signs and symptoms of a TIA.
What causes a TIA?
During a TIA, one of the small blood vessels that supply your brain with oxygen-rich blood becomes blocked.
Atherosclerosis is a common cause of narrowed arteries. It occurs when fatty deposits, known as plaques, develop on the inner lining of your blood vessels. This can cause your blood vessels to become thickened, hard and less elastic, making it more difficult for blood to flow through them.
A TIA can also occur as a result of a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel and blocks the blood supply to your brain.
In rare cases, a TIA can be caused by a small amount of bleeding in the brain, known as a haemorrhage.
Read more about the causes of TIA.
Diagnosing a TIA
As TIAs are often over quickly, you may not have any symptoms by the time you see a healthcare professional.
You will be asked in detail about the symptoms you experienced during the TIA. For example, how long they lasted and how they affected you. This will help rule out other conditions.
If a TIA is suspected, you should be referred within seven days of the TIA to a specialist for tests.
Read more about diagnosing a TIA.
Treating a TIA
Following a TIA, you will need treatment to help prevent another TIA or a full stroke.
Your treatment will depend on your individual circumstances, such as your age and medical history.Your healthcare team will discuss the treatment options with you, and tell you about possible benefits and risks.
You may be given medication or asked to make changes to your lifestyle (see the prevention advice below). In some cases, surgery may be needed.
Read more about how TIAs are treated.
Preventing a TIA
TIAs often occur without warning. If you have a TIA, it is a sign another one may follow and further TIAs can have more serious effects or develop into a full, life-threatening stroke.
Regardless of whether or not you have had a TIA or stroke in the past, there are a number of ways you can lower your risk of having either in the future. These include:
maintaining a healthy weight
eating healthily
taking regular exercise
limiting your alcohol consumption
not smoking