Transient ischemic attack

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Endarterectomy

Transient Ischemic attack (TIA)

Mini stroke; TIA; Little stroke

Symptoms begin suddenly, last only a short time (from a few minutes to 1 - 2 hours), then disappear completely. They may occur again at a later time. Symptoms usually occur on the same side of the body if more than one body part is involved.

A TIA is different from a stroke. However, the symptoms of TIA are the same as the symptoms of a stroke and include the sudden development of:

• Muscle weakness of the face, arm, or leg (usually only on one side of the body)
• Numbness or tingling on one side of the body
• Trouble speaking or understanding others who are speaking
• Problems with eyesight (double vision, loss of all or part of vision)
• Changes in sensation, involving touch, pain, temperature, pressure, hearing, and taste
• Change in alertness (sleepiness, less responsive, unconscious, or coma)
• Personality, mood, or emotional changes
• Confusion or loss of memory
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty writing or reading
• Lack of coordination and balance, clumsiness, or trouble walking
• Abnormal sensation of movement (vertigo) or dizziness
• Lack of control over the bladder or bowels
• Inability to recognize or identify sensory stimuli (agnosia)

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TIAs do not show brain changes on CT or MRI scans. (Most strokes do show changes on such tests.) Because symptoms and signs may have completely disappeared by the time you get to the hospital, a diagnosis of a TIA may be made on based on your medical history alone.

A physical examination should include a neurological exam, which may be abnormal during an episode but normal after the episode has passed.

Blood pressure may be high. The doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and arteries. An abnormal sound called a bruit may be heard when listening to the carotid artery in the neck or other artery. A bruit is caused by irregular blood flow. In some cases, low blood pressure may be seen before symptoms of a TIA occur.

Tests will be done to rule out a stroke or other disorders that may cause the symptoms.