Overview
A transient ischemic attack is a brief interruption of blood flow to part of the brain that causes stroke-like symptoms which resolve on their own, usually within minutes to an hour. Although the symptoms pass, a TIA is a serious warning that a full stroke may follow, often soon. It must always be treated as an emergency.
Symptoms
- Sudden weakness or numbness, often on one side of the body
- Drooping of one side of the face
- Slurred speech or difficulty understanding speech
- Sudden loss or blurring of vision
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- Sudden confusion
- Symptoms that resolve within minutes to an hour
Causes & risk factors
- A temporary clot blocking a brain artery
- Narrowing of arteries from fatty buildup
- Irregular heart rhythm sending clots to the brain
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
Treatment & self-care
A TIA requires emergency assessment even if symptoms have fully resolved, because the risk of a stroke in the following days is high. Care focuses on finding the cause, reducing future risk through management of blood pressure, heart rhythm, and other factors, and is coordinated by emergency and stroke specialists.
See a doctor urgently if
- Any sudden face drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty (call emergency services immediately, even if it passes)
- Sudden vision loss or double vision
- Sudden severe dizziness or loss of balance
- Sudden confusion or trouble understanding speech
- Any stroke-like symptom, even brief
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call your local emergency number — do not wait for an online consultation.