Mini-Stroke

"Mini-stroke" is another name for a transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA is a sudden episode in which there is a brief interruption in blood flow to part of the brain. Most mini-strokes occur when an embolism or thrombosis blocks blood flow to the brain. A mini-stroke usually lasts less than 30 minutes and causes symptoms similar to those of a full stroke, such as loss of balance, trouble speaking or understanding speech, and confusion. If you or someone else experiences such symptoms, don't wait for them to go away -- call 911 right away.

 

Mini-Stroke: An Introduction

The term "mini-stroke" refers to a transient ischemic attack (TIA for short). In a mini-stroke, there is a short-term interruption in blood flow to the brain. This causes temporary stroke symptoms (often just for a few minutes), such as weakness or tingling in an arm or leg. Mini-strokes do not cause brain damage, but they are important warning signs that a person is at risk of having a stroke.
 
If you have a mini-stroke, you should seek medical care right away to prevent a full stroke. Of the approximately 50,000 Americans who have a mini-stroke each year, about one-third will have an acute stroke sometime in the future.
 

What Causes a Mini-Stroke?

Mini-stroke causes are the same as those associated with ischemic strokes (see Stroke Causes). The only difference involves timing. By definition, a stroke produces symptoms that last for at least 24 hours. A mini-stroke causes symptoms that improve after a shorter period of time (usually within 30 minutes).
 
A mini-stroke occurs when there is a temporary lack of oxygen- or nutrient-rich blood to a part of the brain. This lack of blood supply is the result of a blood vessel that becomes severely narrowed or blocked.
 
There are several ways in which a blood vessel in the brain may become severely narrowed or blocked; however, most mini-strokes result from an embolism or thrombosis. In an embolism, a blood clot or other tissue from another part of the body (such as the heart) moves through the blood into the neck or brain.
 
Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot (known as a thrombus) forms within a blood vessel of the brain or neck. Unlike an embolism, with thrombosis the blood clot does not break free -- it remains attached to the artery wall.
 
Another way that a blood vessel can become narrowed or blocked involves stenosis. Stenosis, a severe narrowing of an artery, can affect arteries in or leading to the brain. In most cases, stenosis is the result of a plaque buildup on artery walls.
 
(Click Cause of Mini-Strokes for more information on these specific causes.)
 
(Mini-Stroke Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD