#tia stands for transient ischemic attack, which is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. It causes stroke-like symptoms that usually last less than five minutes and do not cause permanent damage. However, it is a warning sign of a possible future stroke and should be taken seriously. ¹²
Some of the common symptoms of TIA are:
- Slurred speech and difficulty in understanding others
- Vision problems, such as double vision or blindness in one eye
- Weakness, numbness or paralysis on one side of the body
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden and severe headache
The causes of TIA are similar to those of stroke, such as a blood clot or a narrowing of an artery that supplies blood to the brain. Some of the risk factors for TIA are:
- Family history of stroke or TIA
- Age over 55
- Male gender
- Sickle cell disease
- High blood pressure, cholesterol, or homocysteine levels
- Smoking, alcohol abuse, or drug use
- Obesity or physical inactivity
- Diabetes or heart disease
- Use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
The diagnosis of TIA involves a physical examination and tests to check the blood flow and the function of the brain, such as:
- Ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images of the arteries in the neck and the brain
- CT scan or MRI, which use X-rays or magnetic fields to create detailed images of the brain
- Angiogram, which uses a dye and X-rays to show the blood vessels in the brain
- Electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures the electrical activity of the heart
The treatment of TIA aims to prevent a future stroke and may include: