4 Things You Need To Know About TIAs

Every year, 240,000 people in the United States experience a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), commonly known as mini-strokes. While TIAs might seem short-lived and harmless, they are warning signs of a full stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition. Understanding TIAs, how they can lead to a stroke, the causes and what to do if you experience a TIA can help prevent severe consequences.

There is good news, however, according to Michael Tuchek, DO, a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon at Franciscan Health. Most strokes are preventable, thanks to what we know about the advantages of a healthy lifestyle and medications to control high blood pressure and cholesterol. Not all people who end up having a stroke will have a TIA, but it’s certainly a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored.

Dr. Tuchek explains four things you should know about TIAs and preventing strokes.

1. What Is A TIA?

A TIA is a brief interruption or temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. This temporary (transient) condition leads to a brief episode of stroke-like symptoms.

TIA is different from a stroke

“Unlike a full stroke, a TIA effect is temporary and can last anywhere from a few minutes up to 24 hours,” said Dr. Tuchek, an independent physician who chooses to practice at Franciscan Health Crown Point and Munster. “However, you should never ignore these short-lived warning signs — they can predict a major stroke.”

Symptoms of a TIA

Common symptoms of a TIA include:

• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Dizziness
• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Vision problems in one or both eyes
• Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Difficulty with walking
• Loss of balance and coordination

“Don’t wait, hoping the symptoms of a TIA will go away,” Dr. Tuchek said. “Even if symptoms disappear in just a few minutes, get to the hospital anyway. It’s a sign that somebody’s knocking at your door, and they’re not a pleasant guest.”

2. What Causes TIA?

“TIAs can be caused by a clot or plaque in an artery,” said Dr. Tuchek.

Risk factors for a TIA

Several risk factors can lead to the development of excess plaque.

“Some risk factors you can’t avoid, include age and family history,” Dr. Tuchek said. “Even genetic predisposition can result in plaque formation from good cholesterol.”

Other risk factors for a TIA include:

• Atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that causes an irregular or abnormally fast heartbeat
• Diabetes, which can result in high levels of sugar in your blood
• High cholesterol, which blocks arteries with fatty deposits and can lead to clot formations
• High blood pressure, which happens when blood pushes against the artery walls too strongly
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking

Less common causes of a TIA include arterial dissection, patent foramen ovale (PFO), and genetic or acquired clotting conditions.

Preventing TIAs

A healthy lifestyle is a good place to start to prevent both heart disease and strokes, but controlling hypertension, or high blood pressure, is also important, especially as we age. Drugs like statins and self-monitoring by using a home blood pressure cuff device are good step to take to help prevent heart disease and strokes.

3. Is A TIA Life-Threatening?

Doctors consider TIAs warning signs of a future stroke. Although TIA symptoms may go away quickly, you should never ignore them. Around 10 to 15 percent of all strokes are preceded by a TIA. And up to one-third of those who experience a TIA will suffer a stroke within one year if they don’t take appropriate treatment.

If you have a TIA or multiple TIAs, you have an underlying vascular condition, such as atherosclerosis or blood clots, that may lead to a full-blown stroke if left untreated.

• Age 60 years or older
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Weakness or speech disturbance at the onset of symptoms
• Diabetes
• Duration of symptoms greater than 60 minutes

The presence of significant narrowing of a major artery to the brain also increases the risk for recurrence. 

4. Can You Diagnose And Treat A TIA?

To diagnose a TIA, doctors typically perform a complete medical exam. They may order non-invasive imaging tests, such as a carotid Doppler ultrasound, echocardiogram or CT angiogram scan, to assess the brain and blood vessels.

“A carotid Doppler ultrasound provides valuable insights into the health of the veins in your neck (carotid arteries),” said Dr. Tuchek.

A CT angiogram scan uses high-definition imaging so your doctor can see the details of the plaque in your arteries, such as whether it creates a risk of a stroke or a TIA.

To evaluate your heart function and assess other risk factors, your doctor may recommend additional tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG), another non-invasive ultrasound procedure used to detect potential heart abnormalities.

Treating and managing TIAs focuses on reducing the risk of future strokes. The approach often involves lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Your doctor may prescribe medications to control blood pressure, prevent blood clots and manage other underlying medical conditions.

TIA Symptoms? Get Care Now

If you suspect you're experiencing symptoms of a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or a stroke, don't delay seeking medical attention. Find a Franciscan Health emergency room near you.

HealthDay News contributed information to this article.