Transient ischaemic attack ( minor stroke)

Transient ischaemic attack (Minor Stroke)

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a serious condition caused by a temporary reduction in blood and oxygen supply to part of the brain.

This can then cause acute symptoms such as loss of vision, leg and arm weakness, slurring of speech and loss of consciousness.

A TIA is sometimes called a mini-stroke because symptoms are the same as a stroke. However, severe symptoms normally last up to 30 minutes, and all symptoms disappear within 24 hours.

A TIA is a full stroke if symptoms last longer than 24 hours. If you have a TIA, you will need to see your GP as soon as possible.

TIAs are a clear warning that further TIAs, or even a life-threatening stroke, may occur soon. A second TIA often causes more damage to your body than the first.
Without treatment, one in ten people who have had a TIA will have a full stroke within the next year. Therefore, TIAs should always be investigated so the cause can be found, and treatment can be given.
Every year, around 30,000 people a year have a TIA in the UK.