Definition
A transient ischemic attack is a "mini-stroke" caused by temporary disturbance of blood supply to an area of the brain, which results in a sudden, brief decrease in brain function.
Symptoms
Symptoms of TIA are the same as those that occur in stroke and include the sudden development of:
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Definition
A transient ischemic attack is a "mini-stroke" caused by temporary disturbance of blood supply to an area of the brain, which results in a sudden, brief decrease in brain function.
Symptoms
Symptoms of TIA are the same as those that occur in stroke and include the sudden development of:
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Causes
In a TIA, the blood supply is only temporarily blocked. For example, a blood clot may dissolve and allow blood to flow normally again.
A TIA is different than a small stroke. The symptoms of TIAs go away in less than 24 hours, usually less than one hour. TIAs do not show lasting changes on CT or MRI scans. (Small strokes do show changes on such tests.) TIAs are like warnings that a true stroke may happen in the future if something is not done to prevent one.
A brief interruption in the blood flow to the brain can cause a decrease in brain function. This is called a neurologic deficit. Too little blood flow to the brain for some time can cause brain cells to die.
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Treatment
The goal is to improve the arterial blood supply to the brain and prevent the development of a stroke.
Treatment of recent TIA (within the prior 48 hours) usually requires admission to the hospital for evaluation of the specific cause and determination of long-term treatment. Underlying disorders should be treated appropriately, including such disorders as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, arteritis, and blood disorders.
Smoking should be stopped.
Treatment of symptoms of blood disorders (such as erythrocytosis , thrombocytosis, or polycythemia vera , which include an increase in the number of some types of blood cells) may include phlebotomy, hydration, and treatment of the underlying (causative) blood disorder. Antihypertensive medications may be used to control high blood pressure. Medications to lower cholesterol may be useful in reducing high blood cholesterol levels.
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Other Names
Mini stroke; TIA; Little stroke
Possible Complications
- Stroke
- TIA recurrence
- Injury that occurs from falls
- Bleeding as a result of anti-coagulant medications
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Outlook (Prognosis)
By definition, an episode of TIA is brief and recovery is complete. It may recur later that same day or at a later time. Some people have only a single episode, some have recurrent episodes, and some will have a stroke. A TIA needs to be treated as aggressively as a stroke would, as any given TIA could develop into a stroke.
Prevention
Prevention of TIA includes controlling the risk factors. Hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and other associated disorders should be treated as appropriate. Smoking should be stopped.
The use of blood thinners may prevent strokes in some patients who have blood clots or atrial fibrillation.
Aspirin therapy (81mg a day or 100mg every other day) is now recommended for stroke prevention in women under 65 as long as the benefits outweigh the risks. Women over age 65 should take aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke only if their blood pressure is controlled and the benefit is greater than the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and brain hemorrhage .
Carotid endarterectomy in select patients may prevent stroke.
Exams and Tests
Because symptoms and signs may have completely disappeared by the time one gets to the hospital, A diagnosis of a TIA may be made on a person's medical history alone.
A physical examination should include a neurological exam, which may be abnormal during an episode but normal after the episode has passed.
Blood pressure may be high. The doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and arteries. An abnormal sound called a bruit may be heard when listening to the carotid artery in the neck or other artery. A bruit is caused by irregular blood flow.
Tests will be done to rule out a stroke or other disorder that may cause the symptoms. ...
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References
Mosca L, Banka CL, Benjamin EJ, et al. Evidence-Based Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women: 2007 Update. Circulation . 2007; Published online before print February 19, 2007.
