Transient Ischemic Attack – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

What You Need to Know About TIAs

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked for a short time. These episodes, often called “ministrokes,” typically last just minutes and don’t cause lasting brain damage.

Though brief, TIAs should be taken seriously. They serve as important warning signs. About 1 in 3 people who experience a TIA will later have a full stroke. Half of these strokes happen within a year of the TIA.

Signs of a Transient Ischemic Attack

Transient ischemic attacks typically last only a few minutes, with most symptoms going away within an hour. In rare cases, they may continue for up to 24 hours.

These symptoms come on suddenly and may include:

  • One-sided weakness, numbness, or paralysis affecting the face, arm, or leg.
  • Speech problems, like slurring or difficulty understanding others.
  • Vision changes, including blindness in one or both eyes, or double
  • Balance issues such as dizziness, poor coordination, or loss of balance.

A person might experience multiple transient ischemic attacks over time. The symptoms may be similar or different depending on which part of the brain is affected.

When Medical Help Is Needed

Seek immediate medical attention if you think you’re experiencing or have had a transient ischemic attack. These events often happen hours or days before a stroke occurs.

Quick medical evaluation allows healthcare providers to identify treatable conditions that might be causing the problem. Getting timely treatment for these underlying issues may help prevent a full stroke from developing.

Causes

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) happens when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly blocked. A TIA is like an ischemic stroke, but the blockage is temporary and doesn’t result in permanent brain damage.

The main cause of TIAs is atherosclerosis—the buildup of fatty deposits called plaques in the arteries. These plaques form in the blood vessels that supply the brain, narrowing them and reducing blood flow.

Blockages can develop in two main ways:

  1. Plaque buildup – Fatty deposits accumulate in arteries, reducing blood flow.
  2. Blood clots – Clots can form on these plaques or travel from elsewhere in the body.

When plaques build up in an artery, they can:

  • Narrow the blood vessel
  • Create rough surfaces where clots form
  • Rupture and trigger clot formation

Blood clots that cause TIAs sometimes originate in the heart before traveling to the brain’s arteries. These “traveling clots” can lodge in narrower vessels, temporarily blocking blood flow to brain tissue.

What Increases Your Risk

Unchangeable Risk Factors

Some risk factors for stroke and mini-strokes (TIAs) cannot be changed. Knowing about these risks can help you focus on the factors you can control.

  • Family History: Having relatives who experienced a mini-stroke or stroke increases your risk.
  • Age: Your risk grows higher after age 55.
  • Gender Differences: Men face slightly higher risk overall, but women’s risk increases as they age.
  • Previous Mini-Strokes: If you’ve had a TIA before, your chance of having a full stroke is much higher.
  • Sickle Cell Disease: This blood disorder significantly raises stroke risk because:
    • Abnormal blood cells deliver less oxygen
    • Cells can stick to artery walls
    • Blood flow to the brain may be reduced

Proper treatment of sickle cell disease can help lower this risk.

Controllable Risk Factors

Many stroke risk factors can be managed through medical care and lifestyle changes. Having multiple risk factors multiplies your overall risk.

  • High Blood Pressure: Risk begins to climb when readings exceed 140/90 mm Hg. Your healthcare provider can help set appropriate targets based on your age and other factors.
  • Cholesterol Problems: High cholesterol contributes to artery blockages. Management options include:
    • Dietary changes (less saturated and trans fats)
    • Medication, like statins, when diet alone isn’t enough
  • Heart Problems: Several heart conditions increase stroke risk:
    • Heart failure
    • Heart defects
    • Heart infections
    • Irregular heart rhythms
  • Artery Disease: Problems in different blood vessels raise risk:
    • Carotid artery disease (neck arteries to the brain)
    • Peripheral artery disease (in vessels to the arms and legs)
  • Diabetes: This condition accelerates artery narrowing and damage.
  • High Homocysteine Levels: This amino acid can cause artery thickening and scarring, making clots more likely.
  • Weight Issues: Carrying extra weight, especially around the midsection, increases stroke risk.
  • COVID-19: Research suggests the virus may increase stroke risk.

Lifestyle Choices

  • Smoking: Tobacco use harms blood vessels by:
    • Increasing clot formation
    • Raising blood pressure
    • Contributing to artery damage

Prevention

Preventing a transient ischemic attack involves adopting a healthy lifestyle and managing your risk factors.

  • Quit smoking. Giving up tobacco significantly reduces your risk of experiencing a transient ischemic attack or stroke.
  • Watch your diet. Reduce cholesterol and fat intake, particularly saturated and trans fats, to help prevent plaque buildup in your arteries. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in potassium, folate, and antioxidants for better protection against vascular events.
  • Reduce salt consumption. Limiting sodium can help control blood pressure in many people. Avoid heavily salted foods and resist adding extra salt to meals.
  • Stay physically active. Regular exercise is one of the most effective natural ways to lower high blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.
  • Moderate alcohol use. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Women should limit themselves to one drink daily, while men should have no more than two drinks per day.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Weight management through proper diet and exercise can improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
  • Avoid illegal drugs. Substances like cocaine increase your risk of having a transient ischemic attack or stroke.
  • Manage diabetes. Control diabetes through:
    • Healthy eating habits
    • Regular physical activity
    • Weight management
    • Taking prescribed medications as directed

Working closely with healthcare providers to monitor and manage your specific risk factors is important for effective prevention.


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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.