brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)
Introduction
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a disturbance in brain function that typically lasts less than 1 hour and results from a temporary blockage of the brain’s blood supply. The cause and symptoms of a TIA are the same as those of an ischemic stroke. TIAs differ from ischemic strokes because symptoms usually resolve within 1 hour and no permanent brain damage occurs. Symptoms suggest the diagnosis, but brain imaging is also done. Other imaging tests and blood tests are done to diagnose the cause of the TIA. Controlling high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and high blood sugar levels and stopping smoking are recommended. Medications to make blood less likely to clot and sometimes surgery (carotid endarterectomy) or angioplasty plus stenting are used to reduce the risk of stroke after a TIA. (See also Overview of Stroke and TIAs may be a warning sign of an impending ischemic stroke. People who have had a TIA are much more likely to have a stroke than those who have not had a TIA. The risk of stroke is highest during the first 24 to 48 hours after the TIA. Recognizing a TIA and having the cause identified and treated can help prevent a stroke. TIAs are most common among middle-aged and older people. TIAs differ from ischemic strokes because TIAs do not seem to cause permanent brain damage. That is, TIA symptoms resolve completely and quickly, and few or no brain cells die—at least not enough to cause any changes that can be detected by brain imaging or a Neurologic Examination . 