What Is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

About 40 percent of people who have a transient ischemic attack, or TIA, will eventually have a stroke.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke, occurs when blood flow to part of the brain stops for a short period of time.

While a TIA can mimic the symptoms of a stroke, the symptoms of a TIA last only a few minutes at most — the average length of a TIA is about one minute.

Additionally, unlike a stroke, most TIAs don't cause permanent damage.

However, a TIA should be taken seriously.

According to the National Stroke Association, about 40 percent of people who have a TIA will eventually have a stroke, with about half occurring a few days after a TIA.

Causes of TIA

The reason a TIA occurs is usually one of the following:

• Low blood flow at a narrow part of a major artery carrying blood to the brain
• A blood clot in another part of the body (such as the heart) breaks off, travels to the brain, and blocks a blood vessel in the brain
• Plaque build-up which decreases the blood flow through an artery or leads to the development of a clot

Risk Factors for TIA

The following factors may increase your risk for TIA:

Family history: If a family member has had a TIA or a stroke, you're at greater risk.

Age: As you get older, and especially after 55, your risk of a TIA increases.

Gender: While men are at a slightly greater risk of TIA and stroke, more than half of deaths from stroke occur in women.

Race: African Americans have a higher risk of dying from stroke, partly because high blood pressure and diabetes are more prevalent in this population.

History: According to Mayo Clinic, you're 10 times more likely to have a stroke if you've had one or more TIAs.

Sickle cell anemia: TIA is a complication associated with sickle cell anemia.

High blood pressure: If your high blood pressure is uncontrolled, your risk of stroke increases.

High cholesterol: Eating high cholesterol foods and foods high in saturated and trans fats can contribute to plaque build-up in your arteries.

Cardiovascular disease: Heart failure, a heart defect, a heart infection, or an abnormal heart rhythm can increase your chances of a stroke.

Carotid artery disease: With this disease, the blood vessels in your neck that lead to your brain become clogged.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD): The blood vessels that carry blood to your arms and legs become clogged.

Diabetes: Diabetes increases the severity of narrowing of the arteries.

High levels of homocysteine: Elevated levels of homocysteine in your blood can cause your arteries to thicken and scar, making them more susceptible to clots.

Being overweight: A body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher and a waist circumference greater than 35 inches in women or 40 inches in men increases TIA risk.

Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of blood clots, raises your blood pressure, and contributes to the development of cholesterol-containing fatty deposits in your arteries.

Sedentary lifestyle: You can reduce your risk by getting 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a day.

Poor nutrition: Eating too much fat and salt increases your risk of TIA and stroke.

Heavy drinking: Men should drink no more than two drinks daily and women should stick to one drink daily to reduce their risk of stroke.

Drug use: Cocaine and other illicit drugs should be avoided.

Birth control pills: Taking certain hormone therapies may affect your risk of TIA and stroke.

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