Transient Ischemic Attack
Definition
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief problem of the brain. It is due to a shortage of blood and oxygen. It is sometimes called a mini-stroke.
TIA is a serious problem. It is a warning of a future
stroke
.
Causes
TIA happens when blood flow to the brain is too low. This can be from a narrowing or a blockage.
Narrowing may happen with:
-
A build up of plaque, called
atherosclerosis
- Vasculitis—inflammation of the blood vessels
A blockage may happen with:
- A piece of a blood clot or plaque that has broken off from another site
-
Blood and blood-clotting problems, such as:
-
Severe
anemia
—too few red blood cells
- Polycythemia
—too many red blood cells
- Hyperviscosity—thickening of the blood
-
Endocarditis
—an infection of the lining of the heart
Risk Factors
TIAs are more common in older adults.
Some things that may raise the risk of TIA are:
Symptoms
TIA symptoms happen quickly. The problems a person has depends on the part of the brain that is affected. Symptoms are like those of a stroke.
Problems may be:
- Loss of strength
- Clumsiness
- Problems speaking
- Problems seeing, such as blindness in one eye
- Numbness or tingling
- A feeling of spinning when you are still
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests that may be done include:
Treatment
A TIA raises the risk of a stroke. The risk is highest in the first week after a TIA. The goal of treatment is to lower the risk of future stroke. This can be done with:
- Lifestyle changes, such as not smoking, eating a healthful diet, exercising, and limiting alcohol
- Manage health problems, such as diabetes,
high blood pressure
, or
high cholesterol
- Medicines to prevent blood clots or to slow clotting
- Surgery to treat a blockage in the artery in the neck
Prevention
TIA cannot always be prevented. To lower the risk:
- Manage high blood pressure.
- Avoid using tobacco.
- Limit alcohol.
- Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
Resources
American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org
National Stroke Association
http://www.stroke.org
Canadian Resources
Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery
http://canadianvascular.ca
Heart and Stroke Foundation
http://www.heartandstroke.com
References
Duca A, Jagoda A. Transient Ischemic Attacks: Advances in Diagnosis and Management in the Emergency Department. Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2016 Nov;34(4):811-835.
Transient ischemic attack information page.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Transient-Ischemic-Attack-Information-Page. Accessed October 5, 2020.
Risk factors for stroke or transient ischemic attack. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/risk-factors-for-stroke-or-transient-ischemic-attack
. Accessed October 5, 2020.
Sangha RS, Caprio FZ, et al. Quality of life in patients with TIA and minor ischemic strokes. Neurology. 2015;85(22):1957-63.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/transient-ischemic-attack-tia
. Accessed October 5, 2020.