Transient ischemic attacks, known as TIAs, often appear in the hours or days preceding a stroke. They act as a warning, allowing many people to receive treatment before a stroke can occur. Our team of neurologists are able to identify if you’ve had a TIA and help you develop a plan to prevent future strokes.
TIAs, often referred to as mini-strokes, occur when your brain experiences a temporary drop in its blood supply, often as the result of a brief blockage due to a blood clot. They typically last a few minutes and don’t result in permanent brain damage.
The underlying cause of a TIA is a buildup of plaque along the walls of an artery. Plaques can grow until they block blood flow or a piece of plaque may break off from somewhere else in your body and travel to your brain.
A TIA is a major red flag signalling an impending stroke. If you believe you’ve had a TIA, it is critical that you schedule an evaluation to develop a plan for moving forward.
TIA symptoms usually disappear within an hour. They can range in severity, with some being barely noticeable while others appear suddenly and strongly. A TIA may cause the following symptoms:
Treatment plans for TIA usually include medications to lower your risk of future strokes combined with surgery to remove the buildup of plaque from your arteries. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to dissolve existing blood clots and prevent future ones from forming.