TIA (transient ischemic attack) is a sudden, brief episode of neurologic dysfunction. It is caused by the temporary blockage of a blood vessel in the brain. TIA is a medical emergency that should be treated immediately. Symptoms usually last between minutes and a few hours. Some people may have several TIAs in a year.
TIAs are often a warning sign that a person may be at risk for a stroke. Although a stroke can cause permanent cognitive and physical damage, most TIAs do not cause any long-term damage. However, they do have the potential to cause a more severe, permanent stroke. In fact, about one-third of people who have a TIA will experience a stroke within a year.
Transient ischemic attacks can be caused by a number of different factors, including sickle cell disease, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Treatment for a TIA usually includes medications and lifestyle changes, but may involve surgery.
A TIA can cause paralysis, difficulty walking, double vision, and numbness. The symptoms of a TIA are very similar to those of a stroke. If you are experiencing these symptoms, call 999. You should also tell your doctor about any other illness you may have. While most TIAs disappear on their own, they should still be monitored for any problems. Getting timely medical care is the best way to prevent a stroke.
Symptoms of a TIA can be similar to those of a stroke, but the attack can occur in different areas of the brain. For example, it can happen in the area that controls the muscles in the face. The muscle weakens and stops working, causing facial weakness. It can also occur in the arm. It can cause the person to lose the ability to use both arms. It can also cause a person to have trouble swallowing. Other symptoms include speech and coordination problems.
When the blood supply to the brain is blocked, the body tries to restore the blood flow. This can help to return the function of the affected brain cells. If the artery is completely blocked, surgery is required to remove the clot. This surgery usually takes a few hours.
The main artery to the brain is called the carotid artery. This artery is supplied with oxygenated, fatty blood. If the carotid artery becomes narrowed or clogged, it can prevent blood from reaching the brain. The blood can be prevented from reaching the brain by a clot, which can either stay in the artery, move to the next part of the artery, or detach. If a clot does not leave the artery, it can block the other arteries in the neck or head. If the artery is partially clogged, plaques can form. This can further narrow the artery.
A TIA is usually diagnosed on the basis of a patient’s medical history and certain tests. Some doctors make the diagnosis by performing a physical examination, while others rely on a patient’s memory of the event.
