Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

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Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

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Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary interruption of the blood flow to an area of the brain. TIAs are a warning sign that a stroke may soon follow.

A clot in an artery, a drop in blood pressure, or a change in heart rhythm or rate may all reduce blood flow to the brain and result in a TIA.

Symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke. They may include:

Vision problems.
Difficulty speaking, or unusual behavior and thought processes.
Difficulty understanding words.
Loss of consciousness.
Seizures.
Dizziness (vertigo) or trouble walking.
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body.

Unlike a stroke, a TIA does not cause lasting symptoms. Symptoms usually go away after 10 to 20 minutes.

A TIA is considered a warning sign of an impending stroke.

Credits

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Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

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Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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