A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke occurs when a blood clot disrupts blood flow to the brain, starving it of oxygen.
TIA has the same symptoms of a stroke, but they will pass much quicker. The effects will last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
But while a TIA is less dangerous than a stroke, it should be taken just as seriously.
Who is affected
A first-ever TIA affects approximately 50 people per 100,000 of the UK population each year.
The condition is increasingly common with age and rarely affects under-60s.
Men the black community are at a greater risk than the rest of the population.
Common risk factors include:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- High cholesterol
Symptoms
The main symptoms of a TIA can be remembered using the word FAST:
FACE: The face may have drooped to one side or the person may be unable to smile properly;
ARMS: The person may be unable to keep both of their arms raised due to weakness on one side;
SPEECH: Their speech may be slowed or garbled or they may struggle to speak at all. They may also have trouble understanding you;
TIME: Call 999 straight away to request an ambulance
Assessment and treatment
If a TIA is suspected, you will be offered an aspirin as this will prevent a ‘full’ stroke.
You should be referred to see a specialist within 24 hours of the onset of your symptoms.
Your appointment will either take place at a specialist TIA clinic or in a hospital stroke unit.
You will likely undergo a brain scan, as well as tests for blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Preventative measures
A TIA is the result of a temporary blood clot in the brain. To prevent this from happening again, you will be offered a blood-thinning medication.
You could also be given either anti-platelet or anticoagulant medication depending on the source of the clot.
You can reduce your risk of experiencing a first or recurrent TIA by:
- Eating healthily
- Doing regular exercise
- Limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco
- Maintaining a healthy weight
More advice on transient ischaemic attacks can be found online via the NHS and Stroke Association.
