Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Symptoms, Causes & American Heart Association Guidelines

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a mini or temporary stoke that mirrors the symptoms of a real stroke, but does not cause any permanent damage. The American Heart Association recommends that individuals that have a TIA seek medical attention immediately as this is usually a precursor to having a more serious stroke later on.

Symptoms Of TIA

• The symptoms of TIA include numbness on one side of the body, dizziness, vision problems, confusion and a severe headache.

What Are The Causes of TIA?

• A TIA is caused by a blood clot in an artery that results in the brain not getting enough blood causing the symptoms to appear. However, once the clot breaks up, the symptoms go away without causing permanent damage.

TIA Statistics (Ref 2)

• The annual number of TIA's in the U.S. is 200,000 to 500,000. Research by the The American Heart Association indicates that of the patients who suffer a TIA, 15% have a stoke within three months and 50% have a stroke within 48 hours.

Carotid Endarterectomy

• Treatment after a TIA may include a Carotid Endarterectomy, which is an operation that removes plaque from the carotid artery. This artery is the main route for blood going to the brain.

Link With Heart Disease

• The American Heart Association has issued a statement that patients that have TIA, usually are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. (ref 3)