All About Transient Ischaemic Attacks

Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs), sometimes referred to as ‘mini-strokes’, are often ignored because symptoms improve and the immediate effects are minimal. However, they are a warning sign that must be taken seriously (American Stroke Association 2018).

What is a Transient Ischaemic Attack?

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is essentially a minor stroke that often lasts for a short duration of time. It is caused by a temporary blockage of the blood supply to the brain, starving it of oxygen and nutrients (Stroke Foundation 2017).

Unlike a stroke, where the prolonged blockage causes brain cells to die and results in permanent damage, a TIA will generally resolve after only a few minutes (though it may last for up to 24 hours). This allows the oxygen and nutrients to quickly return to the brain, and the patient will fully recover with no lasting effects (Stroke Foundation 2017; Better Health Channel 2013).

However, a TIA can be a warning that a full-blown stroke is imminent. For this reason, TIAs should be treated as an emergency and should never be ignored (American Stroke Association 2018).