What is a TIA or mini-stroke?
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or ‘mini stroke’ has very similar symptoms to a stroke, but symptoms often pass in a few minutes or hours. Even if symptoms have resolved, it is important to see a doctor immediately as a TIA is a warning sign of future stroke. Early assessment and treatment for TIA can help prevent a severe stroke from occurring.
What does TIA mean?
| Transient: |
Symptoms disappear in less than 24 hours (often less than an hour) |
| Ischaemic: |
Blockage of blood flow to part of the brain |
| Attack: |
Sudden onset of symptoms |
What are the symptoms of a TIA?
TIA symptoms are very similar to those of a stroke but by definition last for less than 24 hours (symptoms lasting longer than 24 hours are called a stroke).
Common symptoms may include:
- sudden weakness and/or numbness of face, arm and/or leg, especially on one side of the body
- sudden blurred or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- sudden difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying
- sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty controlling movements.
This is caused by the blood supply to the brain being temporarily disrupted. A TIA is a powerful warning something is wrong in the circulatory system, so although there could be other causes for these symptoms, if you experience them it is important that you see a doctor immediately.
TIA increases risk of stroke
Finding and treating the cause of a TIA will help to avoid a more serious stroke in the future. A person who has had a TIA has a greater risk of suffering a stroke. The average risk of having a stroke in the first year after a TIA is about 10%. But some people are at much greater risk of having a stroke within the next few days or weeks, even as much as 10% in the first week.
The sooner a doctor is able to confirm that it is a TIA, the sooner you can start on treatment to prevent a stroke.
See your doctor immediately if you have temporary trouble with any of these:
- speech
- vision
- a passing weakness, paralysis, loss of feeling, or clumsiness on one side of your face, a limb or your body
- a violent spinning sensation.
Original material provided by the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand. Edited by everybody, March 2011.
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