Transient cerebral ischemic attacks and related syndromes
A transient ischemic attack, or TIA, is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain that acts as a warning sign for a stroke.
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A transient ischemic attack (TIA) happens when a small blood clot temporarily blocks blood flow to a part of your brain. Because the brain needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to function, this temporary shortage causes sudden symptoms that feel very much like a stroke. The main difference is that in a TIA, the blockage clears up on its own quickly, usually within a few minutes to an hour, and it does not cause permanent damage to your brain cells.
Think of a TIA as a 'warning stroke.' Even though the symptoms go away, your brain is telling you that something is affecting your blood vessels. By paying attention to these warning signs, you and your doctor have a critical window of opportunity to find the cause and prevent a full-blown stroke, which could cause lasting harm.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on only one side of the body.
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking, such as slurred words or difficulty finding the right words.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, often described as a dark curtain coming down.
- Sudden loss of balance, dizziness, or difficulty walking.
- A sudden, severe headache that feels different from any headache you have had before.