Articles » NINDS Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Information Page: NINDS

NINDS Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Information Page: NINDS

Article title: NINDS Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Information Page: NINDS

Main condition: Transient Ischemic Attack

Conditions: Transient Ischemic Attack

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What is Transient Ischemic Attack?
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a stroke that it lasts only a few minutes. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is briefly interrupted. TIA symptoms, which usually occur suddenly, are similar to those of stroke but do not last as long. Most symptoms of a TIA disappear within an hour, although they may persist for up to 24 hours. Symptoms can include: numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion or difficulty in talking or understanding speech; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; and difficulty with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.

Is there any treatment?
Because there is no way to tell whether symptoms are from a TIA or an acute stroke, patients should assume that all stroke-like symptoms signal an emergency and should not wait to see if they go away. A prompt evaluation (within 60 minutes) is necessary to identify the cause of the TIA and determine appropriate therapy. Depending on a patient’s medical history and the results of a medical examination, the doctor may recommend drug therapy or surgery to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have had a TIA. The use of antiplatelet agents, particularly aspirin, is a standard treatment for patients at risk for stroke. People with atrial fibrillation (irregular beating of the heart) may be prescribed anticoagulants.

What is the prognosis?
TIAs are often warning signs that a person is at risk for a more serious and debilitating stroke. About one-third of those who have a TIA will have an acute stroke some time in the future. Many strokes can be prevented by heeding the warning signs of TIAs and treating underlying risk factors. The most important treatable factors linked to TIAs and stroke are high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, heart disease, carotid artery disease, diabetes, and heavy use of alcohol. Medical help is available to reduce and eliminate these factors. Lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, maintaining healthy weight, exercising, and enrolling in smoking and alcohol cessation programs can also reduce these factors.

What research is being done?
NINDS is the leading supporter of research on stroke and TIA in the U.S. and sponsors studies ranging from clinical trials to investigations of basic biological mechanisms as well as studies with animals.

 Organizations

American Heart Association
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231-4596
http://www.americanheart.org/
Tel: 800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
Fax: 214-369-3685

National Stroke Association
9707 East Easter Lane
Englewood, CO 80112-3747
info@stroke.org
http://www.stroke.org/
Tel: 303-649-9299 800-STROKES (787-6537)
Fax: 303-649-1328

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHBLI)
National Institutes of Health
Bldg. 31, Rm. 4A21
Bethesda, MD 20892
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
Tel: 301-592-8573 800-575-WELL (-9355)

Related NINDS Publications and Information

Stroke
Stroke information sheet compiled by NINDS.

Stroke: Hope Through Research
An informational booklet about stroke compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Brain Basics: Preventing Stroke
Information on preventing stroke, including stroke risk factors and warning signs, compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Previniendo la Apoplejía (Preventing Stroke)
Información del Previniendo la Apoplejia (Preventing Stroke) compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

This fact sheet is in the public domain. You may copy it.Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892



 » Next page: NINDS Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Information Page: NINDS

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