Transcient ischemic attack

TRANSCIENT ISCHEMIC
ATTACK

TIA - STROKE

WHAT IS A TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC
ATTACK (TIA)?

• like a stroke in that it produces similar symptoms, but
it only lasts a few minutes and causes no
permanent damage.

• It is sometimes called a mini-stroke.
• It happens when there is not enough oxygen

reaching the brain. This is often due to a blood clot
that remains for a short while.
• When the clot breaks up or moves on, symptoms
subside.

SYMPTOMS

• varying symptoms, depending on which part of the brain
is affected.

• FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time):

• Face: The face may fall on one side as some of the
facial muscles become paralyzed. The person's eye or
mouth may droop, and they may be unable to smile
properly.

• Arms: Arm weakness or numbness might make it hard for
the individual to either raise both arms or to keep them
raised.

• Speech: Speech may be slurred and garbled.
• Time: If just one of these symptoms are present, it is time

to dial emergency services.

BE AWARE

• high-risk group, such as an older adult, or an
individual with high blood pressure or diabetes.

• TIA symptoms are temporary and should disappear
within 24 hours. They may last from 2-15 minutes.

OTHER SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF A TIA
CAN INCLUDE

1. dizziness
2. difficulty talking
3. difficulty understanding what others are talking

about
4. problems swallowing
5. very bad headache
6. paralysis, numbness, or weakness on one side of

the body
7. in severe cases loss of consciousness

CAUSES

1.Disruption of blood supply
-carotid arteries supply blood to the brain.
-TIA can occur if one of the smaller blood vessels
becomes blocked, depriving that part of the brain of
oxygen-rich blood.
2. Atherosclerosis
-causes arteries to narrow.
-Fatty deposits develop on the inner lining of blood
vessels



CONT.

3. Blood clots
-can disrupt the supply of oxygen-rich blood to parts
of the brain.
4. Hemorrhage (internal bleeding)
-A minor brain hemorrhage (small amount of bleeding
in the brain) can cause a TIA; however, this is rare.

RISK FACTORS

Risk factors that cannot be changed:
1. Family history: People with a close relative who

has had a stroke or TIA.
2. Age: People aged over 55 have a higher risk of

having a TIA.
3. Sex: Males are at slightly greater risk.
4. Ethnic origin: People of black African ancestry

have a higher risk.

RISK FACTORS THAT CAN BE
CHANGED:

1. Hypertension
2. Cardiovascular disease
3. Carotid artery disease
4. PAD (peripheral artery disease): When blood vessels

that carry blood to the arms and legs become
clogged.
5. Smoking
6. Sedentary lifestyle: People who are physically inactive
have a significantly higher risk.
7. Diabetes
8. Bad diet
9. Blood cholesterol levels
10. Bodyweight
11. Alcohol
12. Illegal drugs

TREATMENT

• depend on the cause of the TIA. The doctor may
prescribe medication that lowers the risk of a blood
clot, or recommend surgery or an angioplasty.

TIA MEDICATIONS

1. Anti-platelet drugs
-Aspirin and dipyridamole
-Clopidogrel
2. Anticoagulants
-Warfarin (Coumadin) and heparin
3. Medications for hypertension
4. Medications for cholesterol

SURGERY

• carotid endarterectomy
- involves removing part of the lining of the damaged

carotid artery, as well as any blockage that has
accumulated in the artery.
- This operation is not suitable for people whose
arteries are nearly completely blocked. Even some
people with partial blockage may not be suitable
for this procedure because of the risk of stroke
during the operation.

IX: DIAGNOSIS

1. Blood tests: Tests will check blood pressure, cholesterol
levels and clotting ability.

2. Electrocardiogram (ECG): This records the electrical
activity and rhythms of the heart.

3. Echocardiogram: This is an ultrasound scan that checks
the pumping action of the person's heart.

4. Chest X-ray: This helps the doctor rule out other
conditions.

5. CT scan: The scan creates a 3-D image that can show
aneurysms, bleeding, or abnormal vessels within the
brain.

6. MRI scan: An MRI gives a more detailed view of the
brain than a CT scan, and helps identify any brain
damage.

7. Ultrasound: A wand waved over the carotid arteries in
the neck can provide a picture that indicates any
narrowing or clotting.

PREVENTION

• Giving up smoking

• well-balanced diet, with plenty of fruit and
vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, and very
lean meat. Avoiding all junk foods and foods with
bad fats, such as saturated and trans fats.

• Reducing salt (sodium) intake.

• Exercising moderately for at least 30 minutes five
times a week.



CONT.

• Reducing the amount of alcohol consumed.
• Losing weight and bringing body weight down to

normal levels.
• Taking illegal drugs, such as cocaine, significantly

raises the risk of stroke and TIA.
• Controlling diabetes through proper medication

and sticking to treatment plans.
• Getting at least 7 hours good quality, continuous

sleep every day.