Stroke:TIA

This is a Fleeting Ischemic Stroke, Leaving No Lasting Damage

Jan 27, 2007 Jennifer Gerics

A TIA, or transient ischemic attack, is a "mini" stroke that leaves no permanent damage. This fleeting attack can be a warning sign for a more serious, damaging stroke.

Transient Ischemic Attacks

TIA's or mini strokes are fleeting blockages to arteries supplying blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the brain. In essence, they are milder ischemic strokes. Stroke-like symptoms happen without lasting damage. TIA's are often warning signs of future full-blown strokes. People who suffer transient ischemic attacks are at a greater risk for having a stroke in the near future, possibly months, weeks, or even days away. Just like an schemic stroke, a TIA is caused by a blocked artery which cuts off nutrients and oxygen to the brain. The TIA, however, is brief (generally less than five minutes) and it causes no permanent damage. The blockage clears and life resumes with no disability.

Transient Ischemic Attack Symptoms

• visual difficulties in one or both eyes
• speech production and comprehension difficulties
• confusion
• weakness/numbness in arms, legs, torso, face (usually one-sided)
• severe headache
• incoordination or trouble walking

Symptoms, just like the attack, are brief and usually last for five minutes or less. For further reference: http://www.mayoclinic.com.

***For more information about different types of strokes, read Symptoms of a Stroke, Ischemic Stroke, Stroke: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage,and Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

***For related neurological information, visit the Neurological ARTICLE INDEX and Blog.

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