by Mikha Canon | Apr 21, 2015 | Medical Related
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a mini stroke that happens quickly. TIA occurs when there is a temporary stop in the blood flow to a particular part in the brain. It mimics stroke symptoms, albeit, they do not last for a long period of time. A TIA is said to often be warning sign for future strokes if nothing is done to prevent it. The primary difference between a TIA and a stroke is that after a TIA happens, the blockage is only temporary (transient). The blockage will eventually break and dissipate, therefore, there is no cell death among the brain tissue. Causes of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) The main risk factor for a transient ischemic attack, not to mention stroke, is high blood pressure. Other major risk factors may include heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and a family history of stroke. All these may increase a person’s likelihood of suffering a TIA. Loss of blood flow to areas in the brain can be due to: A blood clot in one or more arteries of the brain or a blood clot that may transit to the brain from another body part (e.g. heart, legs, etc.) Blood vessel injury Blood vessel narrowing in the brain or going to the brain Symptoms of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) As previously mentioned, a transient ischemic attack has stroke-like symptoms but the difference lies in the duration. In most cases, most TIA symptoms disappear within an hour of the first symptom, however, symptoms may also last for as long as 24 hours in some cases. The easiest way to remember the sudden...
