A TIA is a stroke-like episode caused by a brief interruption in blood flow to the brain. This eMedTV article offers a look at risk factors for this event, and also discusses some of its causes and symptoms.
In many cases, transient ischemic attacks are caused by an embolism or thrombosis. This eMedTV resource talks about these causes in detail and explains how the narrowing of a blood vessel in the brain may also cause this type of attack.
Typically, TIA symptoms appear suddenly and may include dizziness, confusion, and difficulty speaking. This eMedTV article discusses common signs and symptoms of this event, such as sudden severe headache with no known cause and loss of coordination.
In the case of a transient ischemic attack, or TIA, diagnosis may involve blood tests, CT scans, and MRIs. This eMedTV resource looks at the process of diagnosing a TIA -- from the first questions doctors may ask to tests used in diagnosis.
TIA treatment may include lifestyle changes (such as losing weight) and medications (such as warfarin). This eMedTV resource describes treatment for people who have had a TIA, which may also include procedures such as a carotid endarterectomy.
