Transient Ischemic Attack

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is a transient ischemic attack? Transient (TRAN-zee-ent) ischemic (is-KEE-mic) attack, is also called a TIA or a mini stroke. It may be a warning signal before a stroke occurs. A stroke is like a TIA but may cause permanent damage to the body. TIA happens when blood flow to the brain is decreased. When this happens, oxygen going to the brain is also decreased. This may lead to loss of certain body functions controlled by the part of the brain affected by the TIA. The effects of a TIA last for a few minutes to an hour. All effects are gone in less than 24 hours and do not cause permanent damage to the brain or body.

What causes a transient ischemic attack? High blood pressure or diabetes may make you more likely to have a TIA. Other causes may be high amounts of cholesterol (fat) in the blood or smoking.

What factors put me at a higher risk of having a transient ischemic attack? The following factors may put you at a higher risk of having a TIA:

• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or fat deposits on the walls of an artery (blood vessel).
  
  
• Cigarette smoking, cocaine use, or drinking too much alcohol.
  
  
• Diabetes.
  
  
• Heart disease, such as coronary artery disease.
  
  
• High blood cholesterol.
  
  
• High blood pressure.
  
  
• You or a close family member has had a stroke in the past.

What are the signs and symptoms of a transient ischemic attack? Signs and symptoms of a TIA depend on the part of the brain affected. During a TIA, you may have numbness (loss of feeling), tingling, weakness, or paralysis (loss of movement). You may have trouble walking, swallowing, talking, or understanding. Your vision (sight) may be blurred or doubled.

How is a transient ischemic attack diagnosed? You may have any of the following tests to diagnose a TIA:

• CT scan:
  
  
  • This is also called a CAT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your brain. It may be used to look at bones, muscles, brain tissue, and blood vessels.
    
    
  • You may be given dye before the pictures are taken. The dye is usually given in your IV. The dye may help your caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, or have other allergies or medical conditions.
  
  
• MRI: This test is called magnetic resonance imaging. During the MRI, pictures are taken of your head. An MRI may be used to look at the brain, muscles, joints, bones, or blood vessels. You will need to lay still during a MRI. Never enter the MRI room with an oxygen tank, watch, or any other metal objects. This can cause serious injury. Tell your caregiver if you have any metal implants in your body.

How is a transient ischemic attack treated? You may need medicines to thin your blood, melt blood clots, or lower your blood pressure. Sometimes surgery is needed to remove a blockage from an artery.

What can I do to prevent a transient ischemic attack? To prevent a transient ischemic attack:

• Do not smoke. This will reduce your risk of a TIA and stroke.
  
  
• If you have atrial fibrillation (an irregular or fast heartbeat) or a recent heart attack, you may need antithrombotic medicine. Taking these medicines exactly as ordered may help prevent a TIA.
  
  
• Keep your blood cholesterol level in a normal range. If you have hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol), talk to your caregiver about ways to lower it.
  
  
• Monitor and control your blood sugar level if you have diabetes.
  
  
• Take your high blood pressure medicine regularly.
  
  
• Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol is found in beer, wine, liquor (such as vodka or whiskey), and other adult drinks. Talk to your caregiver if you drink alcohol.
  
  
• Exercise regularly, and be at a healthy weight.

Where can I find support and more information? Having a transient ischemic attack may be life-changing for you and your family. Accepting that you have had a TIA may be hard. You and those close to you may feel sad or frightened. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Contact the following for more information:

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
  P.O. Box 5801
  Bethesda, MD 20824
  Phone: 1-800-352-9424
  Web Address: http://www.ninds.nih.gov
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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