Don’t ignore the warning: Understanding Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)

A Transient Ischemic Attack, commonly known as a TIA or “mini-stroke,” is a temporary disruption of blood flow to part of the brain. 

What Exactly Is a TIA?

“While the effects are temporary and typically resolve within minutes to hours, a TIA serves as a critical warning sign that shouldn’t be dismissed or ignored,” says Dr Christo van Dyk , a physician at Mediclinic Worcester. “Understanding what a TIA is and recognising its significance could literally save your life.”

A TIA occurs when blood flow to a portion of the brain is temporarily blocked, usually by a blood clot. “Unlike a full stroke, where brain tissue dies due to prolonged oxygen deprivation, a TIA’s effects are reversible because blood flow is restored quickly enough to prevent permanent damage,” says Dr van Dyk. “The symptoms typically last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, with most resolving within an hour.”

The mechanisms behind TIAs are similar to those causing strokes. “Blood clots can form in the heart or major arteries and travel to smaller brain vessels, temporarily blocking them,” says Dr van Dyk. “Alternatively, fatty deposits (atherosclerotic plaques) in the carotid arteries or other blood vessels can temporarily reduce blood flow to brain regions.”

Recognising TIA symptoms

TIA symptoms mirror those of a stroke but are temporary. Dr van Dyk explains that the most common signs include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, particularly affecting the face, arm, or leg. Speech difficulties are also frequent, manifesting as slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or trouble understanding others. Vision problems, such as sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, blurred vision, or double vision, may occur.

Other symptoms include sudden severe headache, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, and confusion. “The key characteristic distinguishing a TIA from a stroke is that these symptoms completely resolve, often leaving people feeling as though nothing serious happened.”

Because these symptoms are subtle and disappear after a short time, many people dismiss TIA symptoms as fatigue, stress, ageing, or medication side effects. “The temporary nature of the episode can create a false sense of security, leading people to overlook the potential severity of the situation,” says Dr van Dyk.

The importance of taking TIAs seriously

Ignoring a TIA can have potentially devastating consequences. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke <>, approximately one-third of people who experience a TIA will have a full stroke within a year if left untreated.

A TIA essentially serves as your brain’s emergency warning system, alerting you that your cerebrovascular system is compromised and at high risk for a major stroke. Unlike a TIA, a stroke can cause permanent brain damage, leading to lasting disabilities such as paralysis, speech problems, cognitive impairment, or even death.

What to do when TIA symptoms occur

If you experience any signs of a TIA, seek immediate medical attention, even if your symptoms have resolved. Emergency Centre doctors can perform tests to confirm the diagnosis and identify underlying causes.

“Time-sensitive treatments and interventions can significantly reduce stroke risk,” says Dr van Dyk. “These may include blood-thinning medications, procedures to remove arterial blockages, lifestyle modifications, and management of risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.”

Moving forward

While experiencing a TIA is frightening, it also presents an opportunity for stroke prevention. Your doctor can help you address modifiable risk factors, such as taking prescribed medications and making lifestyle changes, to dramatically reduce your risk of future stroke.

“Don’t let a temporary improvement in symptoms fool you into complacency,” says Dr van Dyk. “A TIA is your body’s urgent plea for attention. Listen to it and act quickly.”