Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or "mini stroke" is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain.
The disruption in blood supply results in a lack of oxygen to the brain. This can cause sudden symptoms similar to those of a Heat exhaustion and heatstroke , such as speech and visual disturbance, and numbness orweakness in the face, arms and legs.
However, a TIA does not last as long as a stroke. The effects often only last for a few minutes or hours and fully resolve within 24 hours.
The main symptoms of a TIA can be remembered with the word FAST: Face-Arms-Speech-Time.
Even if the symptoms disappear while you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive, an assessment in hospital should still be carried out.
A TIA is a warning that you are at risk of having a full stroke in the near future, and an assessment can help doctors to determine the best way to reduce the chances of this happening.
If you think you may have had a TIA previously, but the symptoms have since passed and you didn't seek medical advice at the time, you should make an urgent appointment with your GP so they can determine whether to refer you for a hospital assessment.
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Read more about howlifestyle factors can helpto prevent a TIA .
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or "mini stroke" is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain.
The symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) are the same as those of a stroke, but unlike a stroke they only last for a few minutes or hours.
Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) occur when one of the blood vessels that supply your brain with oxygen-rich blood becomes blocked.
It's important to be assessed by a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you think you have had a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
The symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) resolve in a few minutes or hours without any specific treatment.
The best way to help prevent a TIA is to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol.