Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

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Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) (pronunciation: tran-zee-uhnt is-kee-mik uh-tak) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by loss of blood flow (ischemia) in the brain, spinal cord, or retina, without tissue death (infarction). TIA is often labeled as a "mini stroke," and it has the same underlying cause as the major strokes.

Etymology

The term "Transient Ischemic Attack" originates from the Latin words "transiens" meaning "passing over" and "ischemia" meaning "stopping blood". The term "attack" is used in the medical field to describe a sudden onset of a disease or condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a TIA are similar to that of a Stroke, but they do not last as long. They happen suddenly and are usually gone within an hour. Most signs of a TIA disappear within an hour, although they may persist for up to 24 hours. Symptoms can include: confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and more.

Causes

TIAs are often caused by one of three things: low blood flow at a narrow part of a major artery carrying blood to the brain, such as the Carotid artery, a blood clot in another part of the body (such as the heart) breaks off, travels to the brain, and blocks a blood vessel in the brain, or less commonly, a clot forms in a blood vessel in the brain.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a TIA is often based on the patient's medical history alone. A physical exam, including a neurological exam, will be done. Other tests may include: blood tests, CT scan or MRI of the brain, carotid ultrasound, and an echocardiogram of the heart.

Treatment

Treatment for TIA depends on the cause of the TIA. The goal of treatment is to prevent a full stroke. This can often be done with medication or surgery.

See Also

External links

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