Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), also known as a "mini-stroke", is a temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke. A TIA doesn't cause permanent damage, but it's a warning sign of a future stroke, and it's essential to seek medical attention immediately if you or someone else is experiencing symptoms.

What happens during a TIA?

During a TIA, the blood supply to part of the brain is temporarily interrupted, usually due to a blockage in a blood vessel. This can be caused by a blood clot or other debris that forms in the blood vessels and breaks loose, traveling to the brain. The blockage is usually temporary, and the symptoms resolve on their own within 24 hours.

Symptoms of TIA

The symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke and can include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body
• Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden vision changes, such as blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one eye
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
• Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
• Sudden nausea or vomiting

Risk factors for TIA

Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of having a TIA, including:

• Age: TIAs are more common in people over 55 years old
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Family history of stroke or TIA
• Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
• Carotid artery disease (narrowing of the neck arteries)

Treatments for TIA

The primary goal of treatment for a TIA is to prevent a future stroke. This can be achieved through:

• Medications: to control high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, as well as to prevent blood clots from forming
• Lifestyle changes: such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight
• Surgery: in some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove blockages or widen narrowed blood vessels
• Carotid endarterectomy: a surgical procedure to remove plaque buildup from the carotid arteries
• Angioplasty and stenting: a minimally invasive procedure to widen narrowed blood vessels and keep them open with a stent

Prevention of future strokes after TIA

To reduce the risk of having a future stroke, it's essential to:

• Take medications as prescribed by your doctor
• Attend follow-up appointments with your doctor
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet
• Monitor and control risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes

Seeking medical attention immediately if you or someone else is experiencing symptoms of a TIA can help prevent a future stroke and reduce the risk of long-term damage.