Transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a “mini-stroke,” occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted. Symptoms typically appear suddenly and may include:
- Numbness or weakness: Usually affects one side of the body, such as the face, arm, or leg.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech: Slurred speech, trouble finding words, or inability to understand others.
- Vision problems: Blurred vision, double vision, or temporary loss of vision in one eye.
- Dizziness or loss of balance: Feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or unable to walk properly.
- Confusion or difficulty thinking: Feeling disoriented, unable to concentrate, or have difficulty making decisions.
- Sudden, severe headache: Especially if it’s different from usual headaches.
- Other symptoms: Seizures, difficulty swallowing, or changes in behavior.
The usual cause of the blood flow reduction to the brain is a clot(s) that develop, either on top of a carotid artery blockage or an embolus thrown from the heart. People with atrial fibrillation, especially those that go in and out of this abnormal cardiac rhythm are more prone to throwing clots to the brain.
A TIA is a sort of warning signal about the chance of an impending stroke, which may not be reversible. Aspirin and/or Plavix are often used to prevent strokes or TIAs from occurring.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it is very important that you go to your doctor for evaluation. This workup will most likely include an ultrasound of the carotid arteries and an MRI of the brain.
Similar to chest pains called “angina” that are a warning signal for an impending heart attack, TIAs are a warning signal for a person to act immediately and not wait for the big, life-changing event to happen.
