Book
Introduction to Stroke and the Stroke Care Unit
- 3. Transient Ischemic Attack (Silent or Minor Stroke)
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) produces stroke-like symptoms that last for a short period but do not cause permanent damage. It results from a temporary reduction in blood supply to part of the brain and may last no more than five minutes. A TIA is sometimes called a mini-stroke.
A TIA occurs when a blood clot or fatty deposit temporarily reduces or completely blocks blood flow to part of the nervous system. Emergency care must be sought even when the person believes the event was only a TIA, because stroke and TIA cannot be distinguished on the basis of symptoms alone. A TIA indicates that an artery supplying the brain may be partially blocked or narrowed and increases the likelihood of a future stroke.
Seek emergency care immediately if signs or symptoms of a TIA occur. Symptoms include:
Numbness, tingling, or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
Difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance.
A sudden severe headache, which may be accompanied by nausea.
