Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

The disruption in blood supply results in a lack of oxygen to the brain. This can cause sudden symptoms like those of a stroke.

However, a TIA does not last as long as a stroke. The effects only last for a few minutes or hours and fully resolve within 24 hours.

Phone 999 immediately if: you suspect you or someone else is having a TIA or stroke Do not drive if you suspect you have had a stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack).


However, a TIA does not last as long as a stroke. The effects only last for a few minutes or hours and fully resolve within 24 hours.

Phone 999 immediately if: you suspect you or someone else is having a TIA or stroke Do not drive if you suspect you have had a stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack).


Phone 999 immediately if: you suspect you or someone else is having a TIA or stroke Do not drive if you suspect you have had a stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack).

Symptoms

Like a stroke, the signs and symptoms of a TIA usually begin suddenly.

The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word FAST.

FAST stands for:

Face – the face might drop on one side, the person may not be able to smile or their mouth may have dropped, and their eyelid may droop Arms – the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of arm weakness or numbness in one arm Speech – they might slur their speech or it might be garbled, or the person may not be able to talk at all despite appearing to be awake Time – it’s time to phone 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms

It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of a stroke or TIA, especially if you live with or care for somebody in a high-risk group, such as an elderly person or someone with diabetes or high blood pressure.

Symptoms in the FAST test identify most strokes and TIAs. TIAs sometimes cause different symptoms that appear suddenly (usually over a few seconds).

Other signs and symptoms may include:

complete paralysis of one side of the body sudden loss or blurring of vision dizziness confusion difficulty understanding what others are saying problems with balance and co-ordination

However, there may be other causes for these symptoms.

During a TIA, it’s not possible to tell whether you’re having a TIA or a full stroke, so it’s important to phone 999 immediately. Even if the symptoms disappear, you should still have an assessment at hospital.

A TIA is a warning that you’re at risk of having a full stroke. An assessment can help doctors decide the best way to reduce the chances of this happening.