transient ischemic attack
Quick Summary
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a ministroke, is a brief episode of stroke symptoms that typically resolve within minutes or hours. TIAs are usually caused by small emboli, such as blood cells or cholesterol fragments, that temporarily block blood flow to the brain.12
The pathology of TIAs is similar to other occlusive strokes, where a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, is a common cause, leading to narrowed or blocked vessels. Other causes include embolisms originating from the heart or neck arteries.23
Symptoms of TIAs depend on the affected brain area and can include temporary vision blurring, slurred speech, numbness, paralysis, or loss of consciousness. While TIAs are mild and temporary, they are significant predictors of a more serious stroke.14
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