Transient ischemic attack

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors

When to seek medical advice Screening and diagnosis Treatment Prevention

Introduction

Rushing through the grocery store, you suddenly lose some of the feeling in your right arm and leg. You grab some shelves to steady yourself. You try to talk to a fellow shopper, but your words sound garbled and listeners seem confused by your speech. Then, after a few minutes, your signs and symptoms disappear and you go on with your shopping.

You may have experienced a temporary or intermittent neurological event called a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Ignoring this episode could have serious consequences for your health.

Even though a transient ischemic attack doesn't last very long and leaves no permanent effects, it's far from an insignificant event. About one in three people who have a transient ischemic attack eventually have a stroke, with about half occurring during the year after the transient ischemic attack.

A transient ischemic attack can serve as both a warning and an opportunity — a warning of an impending stroke and an opportunity to take steps to prevent it.

NEXT:

Signs and symptoms