One of the most important things to know about transient ischemic attacks, or TIAs, is that they are a warning sign that a severe stroke may occur in the future. If you suffer from one or more of these “mini strokes,” it’s crucial that you seek medical attention. The symptoms of a TIA may disappear fairly quickly, but they may be signs that a much more life-threatening health event could be coming.
Causes
There is little warning that a TIA is going to occur. They most frequently happen when blood flow to the brain is temporarily halted, most often by a blood clot. During an actual stroke, blood flow stops permanently, but with a TIA, the blood flow resumes again after a few minutes and the symptoms subside. Occasionally, TIAs are caused by a sudden, significant drop in blood pressure that diminishes blood flow to the brain. This type of TIA is not as common as those caused by blood clots, but the symptoms are the same.
Symptoms
While most symptoms of a TIA will disappear within about 20 minutes, the attack comes on very suddenly, and you may experience any or all of the following sensations:
- Balance problems
- Trouble speaking
- Confusion or the inability to understand simple concepts
- Vision changes
- Sudden onset of a severe headache
- Numbness in the face or on one side of the body
Diagnosis
If you believe you or a loved one is experiencing or has experienced a TIA, call 911 immediately. Your doctor will want to perform a variety of tests to determine if the symptoms are possibly related to another condition. This early detection and treatment can help prevent a future stroke.
You can expect to undergo numerous tests to determine if you have suffered a TIA, including:
- CT scan, MRI, or angiogram to get a detailed look at your brain and blood vessels
- Comprehensive blood tests
- An ultrasound to check your blood flow
- An EKG to check your heart rhythm
Treatment
Depending on the cause of your TIA, your physician may recommend medication, lifestyle changes, or possibly surgery to reduce your risks for future episodes.
Prevention
The best way to prevent a TIA is to eliminate the most common risk factors for strokes. Stop smoking, adopt a regular exercise routine, and maintain a healthy weight. If you have diabetes or if your physician has prescribed medication for another illness, always take your medication as prescribed.
Considerations
Unfortunately, it is a common mistake for people to assume they are fine when the symptoms of a TIA quickly disappear, chalking it up to a one-time episode. TIAs should be taken very seriously, and all symptoms should be reported to a physician. Early detection of an impending stroke could save your life.
