What is transient ischemic attack?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) means that the blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked for a short time. A TIA causes the same symptoms as a stroke. But unlike a stroke, a TIA does not cause lasting brain damage. A TIA is a sign that a stroke may happen in the future.

During a TIA, the blood supply to part of the brain is reduced or blocked. This may be caused by a blood clot in a blood vessel. When blood flow is blocked, the brain cells in that area are affected within seconds. This causes symptoms in parts of the body controlled by those brain cells. Symptoms can last for at least a few minutes. When the blood flow returns, the symptoms go away.

Symptoms of a TIA are the same as symptoms of a stroke. But symptoms of a TIA don't last very long. They may go away in a few minutes.

If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 or other emergency services right away.

Symptoms include:

• Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of movement in your face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of your body.
• Sudden vision changes.
• Sudden trouble speaking.
• Sudden confusion or trouble understanding simple statements.
• Sudden problems with walking or balance.

Ask your family, friends, and coworkers to learn the signs of a TIA and stroke. They may notice these signs before you do. Make sure they know to call 911 if these signs appear.

You need to be checked by a doctor right away if you have had or are having a TIA. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and do a physical exam. The exam results may be normal if the symptoms have already gone away.

If a TIA is suspected, the doctor may want to do tests. The tests include a CT scan of the head or an MRI to check for brain damage and look for diseases.

More tests are often done to find the cause of the TIA. Tests may include:

• An electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) to check for heart rhythm problems that can lead to blood clots.
• An echocardiogram (echo) to look for clots or heart problems.
• Tests that check for narrowing or blockage in blood vessels of the neck, such as an ultrasound.
• Certain blood tests.

If you've had a TIA, you need to see a doctor right away. After a TIA, you are at risk for a stroke. So you may stay in the hospital. You may have more tests and treatment.

Treatment for TIA is focused on preventing a stroke. A heart-healthy lifestyle and medicine can help. This lifestyle includes eating healthy, being active, staying at a healthy weight, and not smoking. You may take medicine to prevent blood clots, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and manage other health problems. Some people have surgery or a procedure to widen narrowed carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain.

Medicines

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• If you take a blood thinner, such as aspirin, be sure you get instructions about how to take your medicine safely. Blood thinners can cause serious bleeding problems.
• Call your doctor if you are not able to take your medicines for any reason.
• Do not take any over-the-counter medicines or herbal products without talking to your doctor first.
• If you use hormonal birth control or hormone therapy for menopause, talk to your doctor. Ask if these are right for you. They may raise the risk of stroke in some people.

Heart-healthy lifestyle

• Do not smoke. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines.
• Be active. If your doctor recommends it, get more exercise. Walking is a good choice. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk every day. Try for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. You also may want to swim, bike, or do other activities.
• Eat heart-healthy foods. These include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, lean meat, fish, and whole grains. Limit sodium and sugar.
• Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if you need to.
• Limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women.

Staying healthy

• Manage other health problems that raise your risk of stroke. These include atrial fibrillation, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
• If you think you may have a problem with alcohol or drug use, talk to your doctor.
• Avoid infections such as COVID-19, colds, and the flu. Get the flu vaccine every year. Get a pneumococcal vaccine shot. If you have had one before, ask your doctor whether you need another dose. Stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines.