Transient Ischemic Attack

An arterial block that interrupts blood supply to the brain for a short period of time is called a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). It can manifest itself with temporary symptoms, including numbness, difficulty in speaking, loss of balance, and visual problems. These symptoms disappear within minutes and generally will not last more than 10-15 minutes. The occurrence of TIA should not be ignored, because it is a warning sign of a major stroke that is developing. It is estimated that over 40% to 50% of individuals that experience a TIA will suffer a major stroke within the next six months, and as early as the next few days. Treatment of TIA is thus essential to prevent a large scale future stroke.