What Is a Transient Ischemic Attack?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) causes symptoms similar to those of a stroke, but the symptoms do not last as long. For example, a person may feel as if a shade or a curtain is pulled over one eye for a few seconds or minutes. In a TIA, symptoms usually resolve in minutes and rarely last more than 90 minutes. If symptoms last 24 hours or more, a stroke is diagnosed.

A TIA is sometimes mistakenly called a ministroke. However, there is nothing "mini" about it. A TIA is a sign that a stroke may occur soon. The risk of having a stroke is greatest during the next month, but a stroke often follows within 2 days. People who have had a TIA need to see a doctor immediately.

Doctors may suspect a TIA on the basis of symptoms, but further evaluation is needed to be sure. Tests may include color Doppler ultrasonography and sometimes magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), computed tomography angiography (CTA), or angiography with a catheter.

People who have had a TIA usually need to take aspirin or another antiplatelet drug as directed by their doctor. Anticoagulants may be used if the TIA resulted from temporary blockage by part of a blood clot (embolus) that traveled from the heart. Sometimes a surgical procedure called endarterectomy or one called angioplasty is done to open the partially blocked artery.