Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

What Happens

Symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) usually go away within 10 to 20 minutes, but some can last up to 24 hours. If symptoms last longer than an hour, it is more likely that you have had a stroke.

TIA symptoms, which are caused by a blood clot that temporarily reduces blood flow to the brain, disappear when the blood clot dissolves and blood flow returns.

A TIA is a warning sign that a stroke may soon follow. Any symptoms of a TIA need to be treated as an emergency.

• Of those who survive a first TIA or stroke, 14% will have another TIA or stroke within 1 year.¹
• A cluster of TIAs that increase in frequency, become more severe, or last longer is a sign that a stroke may soon occur.

A TIA also may signal an increased risk for a heart attack. Atherosclerosis, which is hardening of the arteries, affects blood vessels throughout the body, including arteries that supply blood to the heart and brain. Atherosclerosis that affects the blood vessels in the heart (coronary arteries) may cause chest pain or a heart attack.

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Author:	Robin Parks, MS	Last Updated: February 26, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology
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