Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

What is a stroke? carries oxygen and nutrients for your brain cells.

If blood can’t get through, your brain can be injured. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is caused by a temporary cut in blood supply to the brain, due to the partial blockage of an artery by a blood clot or debris.

A TIA has the same symptoms as a stroke, but they are temporary as the clot naturally dissolves or is dislodged from the blockage. While it is sometimes called a mini stroke, a TIA does not usually cause long-term brain damage. Early identification of symptoms and a diagnosis from your doctor greatly reduces the chances of a major stroke.

The F.A.S.T. test is an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke.

The signs are exactly the same for TIA

If you see any of these signs call 911 straight away. There can be other signs too: Your face, arm or leg can be numb, clumsy, weak or paralysed. This can be on one or both sides of your body Nausea and vomiting.

If you have any of the signs of stroke, call 911 straight away. Even if you aren’t sure, or the signs only last for a few minutes, call 911. A stroke risk factor increases your risk of having a stroke.

Stroke risk factors include: Medical problems can also cause strokes: These things increase women’s risk of having a stroke: Your doctor will talk with you about your risk factors and medical problems.

They will let you know if you need treatment

They will talk with you about what you can do to lower your risk of stroke.

Your doctor will want to know about what happened and how you felt when the TIA happened. They’ll ask about: whether you’ve had them before. Your doctor will refer you for one or more tests to find out more.

Tests vary from person to person

Some of them include: ) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) take detailed pictures of your brain.

After a suspected TIA, everyone should have a brain scan

If you have had a TIA, your scan will not show any signs of recent injury to the brain.

Show how the blood flows through the arteries. ) tests for abnormal heart rhythm.

After a suspected TIA, everyone should have an ECG

You may also need to wear a Holter monitor for 24 hours or longer.

Your doctor may also order an echocardiogram

You may need cholesterol (fasting lipids), blood sugar levels, and tests to see how well your kidneys work and the way your blood clots.

After an initial check of your blood pressure, you may need it checked regularly

Your doctor will discuss your test results with you and make a plan for follow up.

It is important to go to any appointments arranged by your doctor.

After a TIA, your doctor may prescribe: Blood thinning medication

Always talk with your doctor before you: Change how much you take

You must not drive for two weeks after a TIA.

If you have a commercial driving licence, you must not drive for four weeks.

If you drive before this time, you may face criminal charges if you have an accident.

Your insurance will not cover you

The rules about driving are different for different medical conditions. Your doctor needs to confirm that you have had a TIA.

If you see any of the signs of stroke, call 911 immediately. Even if you aren’t sure, or the signs go away, call 911.

StrokeLine’s allied health professionals provide advice on stroke prevention, treatment and recovery. StrokeLine is a free and confidential service. Call Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, American Eastern Standard Time.

A stroke is when blood can’t get to all parts of your brain Blood Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) explained A person who has had a TIA is at greater risk of having a stroke or heart attack Signs of a stroke Face.

Check their face

Has their mouth drooped? Arms. Can they lift both arms? Speech. Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you? Time is critical Feeling dizzy, losing balance or falling over for no reason Losing your vision.

This can be in one or both eyes Headache , usually severe and sudden Trouble swallowing Causes High blood pressure High cholesterol Diabetes Atrial fibrillation Smoking Not moving enough Unhealthy eating Being overweight Drinking alcohol Weak or tangled arteries in the brain A hole in the heart Heart problems Taking the contraceptive pill Taking hormone replacement therapy Being pregnant Tests the signs you noticed how long they lasted Brain scans.

Computerised tomography ( CT scan Imaging of the arteries Ultrasound , CT angiogram or MRI Heart tests. An electrocardiogram ( ECG Blood tests Blood pressure check Medication Blood pressure lowering medication Cholesterol lowering medication Stop taking a medicine Driving For more information, contact the licensing authority in your state Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Transient ischaemic attack – Signs, treatment and reducing your risk has more information about TIA.

If you would like a printed copy, please contact StrokeLine StrokeLine 1800 787 653 Stroke Foundation .

Key Points

• While it is sometimes called a mini stroke, a TIA does not usually cause long-term brain damage
• Early identification of symptoms and a diagnosis from your doctor greatly reduces the chances of a major stroke
• test is an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke
• stroke risk factor increases your risk of having a stroke
• They will let you know if you need treatment