What is it?
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a stroke that lasts only for a maximum of 24 hours. It happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is briefly blocked.
What are the symptoms?
- Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech.
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Difficulty walking.
- Dysphasia (trouble speaking).
- Confusion.
- Tingling.
- Dizziness.
- Weakness or numbness on just one side of the body or face, determined by the location of the blood clot in the brain.
- Dizziness.
- Loss of balance or coordination.
Most symptoms of a TIA disappear within an hour, although they may last for up to 24 hours. Because you cannot tell if these symptoms are from a TIA or a stroke, you should go to the hospital right away.
What to expect?
If you are diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack you can consider discussing the following subjects with your doctor after the initial treatment:
- Do you need a stricter control of other medical conditions you may have, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol?
- Some patients with a transient ischemic attack are prescribed medication they will need to use lifelong. Is this the case for you as well?
- A healthy diet and an active lifestyle can help in preventing another transient ischemic attack or a stroke. Which changes can you make in your life style?
- Quitting smoking is very important in preventing another transient ischemic attack or a stroke. Are you open to stop smoking? Is your doctor able to support you with this?