Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Alternative names:

little stroke; mini stroke; TIA

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to improve the arterial blood supply to the brain and prevent development of stroke.

Treatment of recent TIA (within the prior 48 hours) usually requires admission to the hospital for evaluation of the specific cause and determination of long-term treatment. Underlying disorders should be treated appropriately, including such disorders as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, arteritis, blood disorders, etc.

Smoking should be stopped.

Treatment of symptoms of blood disorders (such as erythrocytosis, thrombocytosis, or polycythemia vera, which include increase in the number of some of the cellular components of blood) may include phlebotomy, hydration, and treatment of the underlying (causative) blood disorder. Antihypertensive medications may be used to control high blood pressure. Medications to lower cholesterol may be useful in reducing high blood cholesterol levels.

Platelet inhibitors and anticoagulant medications ("blood thinners") may be used to reduce clotting. Aspirin (see salicylates - oral) is the most commonly used medication; others include dipyridamole, heparin, Coumadin, or other similar medications. Treatment may be continued for an indefinite time period.

A reduced amount of sodium (salt) in diet to help control high blood pressure; diet for diabetics; reduced dietary fat, or other dietary changes may be recommended.

Surgery (carotid endarterectomy, removal of atherosclerotic plaque from the carotid arteries in the neck) may be appropriate for some people, particularly those with carotid artery stenosis of greater than 70% of the artery and without coexisting terminal disease or dementia.

Expectations (prognosis):

Each episode of TIA is brief and recovery is complete. It may recur later that same day or at a later time. Some people have only a single episode, some have recurrent episodes, and some will have a stroke.

Complications:

• stroke
• TIA recurrence
• injury that occurs from falls

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate TIA. Do not ignore symptoms just because they resolve! They may be a warning of an impending stroke.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop. Emergency symptoms include loss of consciousness, sudden development of partial or complete paralysis or numbness, sudden vision change or loss of vision in one or both eyes, and rapid onset of speech changes.