A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a result of a temporary inhibition of the blood supply to the brain. This may be caused by an obstruction due to a blood clot in the artery that supplies blood to the brain. The symptoms of TIA are similar to those of a stroke, however, a TIA is often short-lived as the clot either dislocates itself from the area of blockage or dissolves restoring the natural blood flow to the brain. A TIA normally does not cause any permanent damage to the brain.
TIA is also known as a ‘mini stroke’ because it is often temporary. A person with TIA is susceptible of having a heart attack or a stroke. However, risks of suffering from major strokes can be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment.
A TIA is considered to be a warning sign that signals an incoming major stroke which is more severe than a TIA. It indicates that a blot clot or obstruction is blocking the normal supply of blood to the brain. If prompt medical treatment is not sought, there might be a break in the vessel leading to a major stroke. Brain cells that receive oxygen from the blood being supplied from a particular artery die if the blood supply is cut down. If emergency treatment is not given, the surrounding cells may die as well.
The symptoms of TIA are similar to those of stroke but the symptoms of TIA wear off within 24 hours. However, it is not wise to wait till the symptoms fade as a major stroke may result. You must take it as a warning that a particular part of the brain is starved of oxygen for a period of time and a stroke may follow after a few hours, days, weeks or even months. Therefore, it is recommended that you consider prompt medical treatment immediately.
Symptoms depend on the area of the brain which is starved of oxygen. The symptoms of TIA include:
Another way of recognizing stroke or TIA is the FAST test:
Once you have called an ambulance, follow these steps:
If a person has suffered a TIA or is susceptible to suffer from heart attacks or stroke, the following lifestyle changes must be considered:
To learn the basic skills to prevent, recognize and manage victims with transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and other circulatory emergencies take a workplace approved training class with Halifax First Aid. Visit the first aid course page for registration and course information by clicking here.