What is a transient ischemic attack?
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to the brain is briefly blocked. It causes stroke-like symptoms such as numbness, weakness, vision changes or trouble speaking. These symptoms come on suddenly but usually go away within minutes or hours without causing lasting damage.
Often called a “mini stroke,” a TIA doesn’t cause permanent damage, but it’s a warning sign that a more serious stroke could happen in the near future. If you or someone else experiences symptoms, don’t ignore them—get medical help right away, even if the symptoms go away on their own. Acting quickly can help prevent a full stroke with lasting health consequences.
Mini stroke symptoms
A TIA causes stroke-like symptoms that go away within minutes or up to 24 hours. Symptoms appear suddenly and may include:
- Feeling confused or having trouble understanding others
- Dizziness, trouble walking or loss of balance
- Numbness, tingling or weakness, often on one side of the body
- Blurry vision, double vision, loss of vision, hearing problems or other sensory changes
- Slurred or mixed-up speech
- Facial drooping
When to see a doctor
There is no immediate way to tell if symptoms are caused by a TIA or a stroke, so it is critical to seek emergency medical care right away. Call an ambulance instead of driving to the hospital.
Anyone experiencing stroke symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible, ideally within an hour. A quick assessment can help determine the cause of the TIA or stroke and the best course of treatment.
Complications
Mini stroke symptoms pass within a few minutes to 24 hours without lasting damage. The most serious complication of a TIA is that it increases your risk of a stroke. Almost 20% of people who have a suspected TIA will have a stroke within 90 days.
