A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) or a “mini-stroke” is a sinister warning sign that cannot be ignored.
Although the transient symptoms of TIA are brief, they portend a much higher risk of having a future stroke.
Knowing the warning signs, the etiology, and how treatment of TIA works is the most crucial to act early and avoid complications.
What is a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)?
A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) is when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked.
Although a stroke is a blockage that is in place, with a TIA, the blockage is temporary and normally resolves by itself within minutes to hours.
The symptoms of TIA are actually very similar to the symptoms of a stroke, so treatment by a doctor is required quickly.
The symptoms last only for a short while. But nearly 1 out of 3 individuals who have had a TIA will ultimately have an actual stroke. Prompt medical care can prevent death and greatly lower the chances of long-term brain damage.
Symptoms of Transient Ischemic Attack
Symptoms of TIA are sudden and are the same as for a stroke. The only difference is that the symptoms of TIA do not persist beyond 24 hours, but often much less. These are the typical characteristics of a transient ischemic attack:
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, which is often on one side of the body
- Disoriented thinking or slurred speech and impaired understanding of speech
- Visual symptoms in one or both eyes
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or unsteadiness while walking normally
- Acute severe headache without an obvious reason
- Get immediate medical attention if you or someone you know experiences any of these, even if they go away soon.
Causes of Transient Ischaemic Attack
The reasons for a TIA are really the same as the reasons for an ischemic stroke. They happen when there is a temporary loss of blood to one area of the brain. The most frequent reasons for TIA are:
Blood clots
A clot that develops in the heart or major artery may get transported to the brain and cut off blood supply. This typically occurs in conditions such as atrial fibrillation or carotid artery disease.
Atherosclerosis
Cholesterol deposits in the arteries in this condition, thickening them and encouraging expansion of blood clots. This may lead to the blood supply getting cut off or diminished to the brain.
Embolism
At other times, an area of plaque or blood clot in the body gets carried away in the blood and lodges in one of the arteries in the brain, stopping the circulation of blood.
Low blood flow
Hypotension or constriction of blood vessels within the brain could also lead to a TIA.
Knowledge of the causes of TIA contributes to correct choice of treatment and prevention.
Risk Factors for TIA
Certain factors raise your risk of developing a TIA or stroke. These include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Being obese
- Lack of exercise or physical inactivity
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Age (over 55 years)
- Family history of stroke or TIA
- Heart disease, especially atrial fibrillation
These risk factors should be treated in TIAs and stroke prevention.
Diagnosis of a TIA
Since TIA symptoms clear up so rapidly, diagnosis of the illness is typically difficult. A neurologist will typically employ a combination of physical exams, medical history, and imaging studies, including:
- MRI or CT scan: To determine if there is any evidence of brain damage or other abnormality.
- Carotid ultrasound: To identify narrowing of neck arteries.
- Echocardiogram: To examine the heart for potential clot sources.
- Blood tests: To evaluate cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and the ability to form clots.
If you’re in Hyderabad, consulting a neurologist at a reputable hospital can ensure quick and accurate diagnosis.
Treatment for Transient Ischaemic Attack
Even though a TIA spontaneously resolves, it is nonetheless a medical emergency. The main objective of treatment is to avoid a subsequent stroke. Treatment commonly involves:
Medications
For patients with mild carotid stenosis (< 70%):
- Antiplatelet medications (such as aspirin) for preventing blood clot formation.
- Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin or more modern medications) for atrial fibrillation patients.
- Statins for the control of cholesterol.
- Medication to control elevated blood pressure.
For patients with carotid stenosis (> 70%):
- Endovascular Carotid Stenting – A minimally invasive procedure. Here a stent is placed in the narrowed artery. It helps to keep it open and improve blood flow to the brain.
- Carotid Endarterectomy – A surgical process to remove the plaque blocking the carotid artery that reduces the risk of stroke.
Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle contributes significantly to the prevention of a stroke in the future. The required changes are:
- Stopping smoking
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly)
- Healthy weight
- Less alcohol use
- Surgery
If carotid arteries are significantly narrowed, certain procedures such as carotid endarterectomy (plaque removal) or angioplasty with stenting (placement of a stent to open narrowed arteries) can be suggested.
Treating Transient Ischaemic Attack
Treatment using medication and lifestyle changes is achievable for TIA. This is what a successful regimen for TIA would look like:
Follow-up visits: Follow up with a neurologist to keep track of recovery and change treatment accordingly.
- Blood pressure and cholesterol management: Track both to lower stroke risk.
- Healthy eating: Emphasize having a high-fruit, high-vegetable, whole-grain, lean-protein diet.
- Physical activity: Get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
- Avoid smoking and excessive drinking: Both raise stroke risk.
If you’ve had a TIA, there’s a necessity to collaborate with a doctor to develop an individualized prevention plan.
When to see a doctor?
Call a doctor immediately if you or your neighbor experiences any of the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack. Although the symptoms may go away, you should get checked out as soon as possible. Time is brain—there are treatments to stop a full stroke.
If you are in Hyderabad, you can visit any of the top neurology hospitals in Hyderabad like Mythri Hospital for consulting a neurologist and seeking expert advice and immediate treatment.
Conclusion
A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) is a warning sign and should not be ignored. If you know the signs and why, you are able to do something quickly and effectively. With good treatment, lifestyle changes, and follow-up, you can reduce your risk of having another stroke by a long way.
If you’ve ever had a TIA or are at risk, don’t delay—seek medical attention and take care of your brain today.
Frequently asked questions
Can TIAs occur more than once?
Yes, there can be more TIAs in a lifetime. More TIAs would signal more likelihood of an imminent large stroke.
Is a TIA painful?
The majority of TIAs are painless. But headaches, visual disturbances, or dizziness can be uncomfortable.
How long does a TIA last?
Most TIAs last for less than one hour, with many over in less than 15 minutes. But the symptoms always go away in 24 hours.
Can stress cause a TIA?
Stress itself is not a cause of TIA but may result in high blood pressure and other risk factors that increase one’s risk for a TIA.
Can dehydration cause a TIA?
Extreme dehydration results in low blood pressure, which is likely to precipitate conditions that make a person more susceptible to a TIA, especially among susceptible individuals.