Table of Contents
What is Transient Ischemic Attack?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
What is Transient Ischemic Attack?
A
transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a transient stroke that lasts
only a few minutes. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the
brain is briefly interrupted. TIA symptoms, which usually occur
suddenly, are similar to those of stroke but do not last as long.
Most symptoms of a TIA disappear within an hour, although they may
persist for up to 24 hours. Symptoms can include: numbness or
weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the
body; confusion or difficulty in talking or understanding speech;
trouble seeing in one or both eyes; and difficulty with walking,
dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.
Is there any treatment?
Because there is no way to
tell whether symptoms are from a TIA or an acute stroke, patients
should assume that all stroke-like symptoms signal an emergency and
should not wait to see if they go away. A prompt evaluation (within
60 minutes) is necessary to identify the cause of the TIA and
determine appropriate therapy. Depending on a patient's medical
history and the results of a medical examination, the doctor may
recommend drug therapy or surgery to reduce the risk of stroke in
people who have had a TIA. The use of antiplatelet agents,
particularly aspirin, is a standard treatment for patients at risk
for stroke. People with atrial fibrillation (irregular beating of
the heart) may be prescribed anticoagulants.
What is the prognosis?
TIAs are often warning signs
that a person is at risk for a more serious and debilitating stroke.
About one-third of those who have a TIA will have an acute stroke
some time in the future. Many strokes can be prevented by heeding
the warning signs of TIAs and treating underlying risk factors. The
most important treatable factors linked to TIAs and stroke are high
blood pressure, cigarette smoking, heart disease, carotid artery
disease, diabetes, and heavy use of alcohol. Medical help is
available to reduce and eliminate these factors. Lifestyle changes
such as eating a balanced diet, maintaining healthy weight,
exercising, and enrolling in smoking and alcohol cessation programs
can also reduce these factors.
What research is being done?
NINDS is the leading
supporter of research on stroke and TIA in the U.S. and sponsors
studies ranging from clinical trials to investigations of basic
biological mechanisms as well as studies with animals.
Organizations
American Heart Association
7272
Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231-4596
inquiries@heart.org
http://www.americanheart.org/
Tel:
800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) 214-373-6300
Fax:
214-369-3685
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
(NHBLI)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
31
Center Drive, Rm. 4A21 MSC 2480
Bethesda, MD
20892-2480
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
Tel:
301-592-8573/240-629-3255
(TTY) Recorded Info: 800-575-WELL
(-9355)
National Stroke Association
9707 East
Easter Lane
Englewood, CO 80112-3747
info@stroke.org
http://www.stroke.org/
Tel:
303-649-9299 800-STROKES (787-6537)
Fax:
303-649-1328
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public
Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
Last updated December 13, 2004
