Medical emergencies just can’t wait. A heart attack, broken bone or stroke are all serious conditions for which you should seek immediate medical care. Though you may not have heard of it before, a transient ischemic attack is another serious condition you should know about.
What's a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?
A transient ischemic attack or TIA, also known as a mini stroke, is a warning sign that you may have a stroke soon. The symptoms of a transient ischemic attack can be mild and may not last long, but a transient ischemic attack is an emergency.
According to the American Stroke Association, a transient ischemic attack is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. Because the blockage and therefore the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack are temporary, mini strokes are often ignored. However, a transient ischemic attack is a major warning sign.
What Factors Increase a Person’s Risk of a Transient Ischemic Attack?
Your risk for experiencing a transient ischemic attack is similar to that of stroke. If you have been told by a doctor that you're at an increased risk of stroke, then you should also be aware of mini stroke symptoms.
“Traditional risk factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise,” says University Health neurosurgeon Dr. Lee Birnbaum. “More recently sleep apnea has also been noted as a risk factor.”
Symptoms of a Transient Ischemic Attack
Birnbaum says the symptoms of mini strokes are also similar to those of a stroke. It’s important to remember the acronym B.E.F.A.S.T. to detect a transient ischemic attack or stroke as early as possible:
- Balance: Trouble with balance or coordination
- Eyes: Sudden blurred, double or total loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Face: Asymmetry of smile
- Arm: Weakness in one arm when holding them up
- Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty finding words
- Time: Every second counts, so seek medical attention immediately
The American Stroke Association has a Spanish acronym to help you remember the signs of a stroke, RAPIDO:
- Rostro caído
- Alteración del equilibrio
- Pérdida de fuerza en el brazo o una pierna
- Impedimento visual repentino
- Dificultad para hablar
- Obten ayuda. Llama al 911
Especially with older adults, we often dismiss symptoms such as difficulty finding words or muscle weakness as normal signs of aging. While this may be true in some cases, if you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone else, don’t hesitate to call 911 or seek medical care immediately.
How are Transient Ischemic Attacks Different from a Stroke?
The main difference between a transient ischemic attack and a stroke is that the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack will end.
“By definition, TIA is a transient ischemic attack. So, the neurological symptoms come but then go away within a matter of seconds, minutes or even hours,” Birnbaum said. “A stroke, however, is permanent. The neurological symptoms come and do not go away.”
Remember, a transient ischemic attack is a warning sign that something is wrong. “Being transient, a TIA gives you and your health care providers an opportunity to run tests, determine the cause of your TIA, and then adjust medications or perform a procedure to prevent the TIA from becoming a stroke,” Birnbaum said.
While the symptoms may not last long, noticing them will give you time to act before you suffer permanent damage. There are actions you can take to help lower your risk.
Preventing Transient Ischemic Attacks and Strokes
The most important thing you can do is to check in with your doctor. “See your regular doctor annually for blood pressure measurements and general health check-ups,” says Dr. Birnbaum. “Also, follow a healthy lifestyle, such as Life’s Simple 7’s from the American Heart Association.”
Adopting healthier diet and exercise habits can improve your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and heart function, and it may prevent a transient ischemic attack or stroke later in life.
Don’t Ignore the Symptoms of a Transient Ischemic Attack
The bottom line is you should never ignore the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack. “Just as with stroke, if you believe you are having a TIA, you should call 911 and be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible,” Birnbaum said.
Stroke Care at University Health
University Health is a Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. We provide the highest level of care when you or a loved one has a stroke. Learn more at StrokeMovesFast.com.
