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Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
A TIA, which stands for Transient Ischaemic Attack, is a brief episode of stroke symptoms. Symptoms last a relatively short
time, usually from a few minutes to several hours, always with complete recovery within 24 hours. Sometimes referred to as
a "mini-stroke" or "warning stroke," a TIA is caused by a temporary interruption in the blood supply to the brain.
While a TIA is by definition short-lived, it is likely to occur
again if not properly managed and can be a warning of future stroke. In the United States, 5% of individuals who experience
a TIA will have a stroke within one week, 10% within one month, 20% within one year, 35% within five years.
A TIA is a clear, major risk factor for stroke. The first month and year after a TIA are especially critical. Never ignore a TIA!
Symptoms of Stroke
Because symptoms are temporary, it is easy to ignore them or to believe that the problem has disappeared. However,
if you experience any of these symptoms, even briefly, seek medical help immediately. If you are having a TIA, your
doctor can determine the cause and set up a plan of action to prevent a stroke. The 5 most common stroke symptoms are:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
References:
National Stroke Association. The Stroke/Brain Attack Reporter's Handbook. 3rd ed. Englewood, Colo: Postgraduate Institute for Medicine; 1999.
National Stroke Association. Stroke/Brain Attack Briefing. Englewood, Colo: Postgraduate Institute for Medicine; 1999. |
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© 2005 Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Germany. All rights reserved.
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