A transient ischaemic attack (also known as a TIA or mini-stroke) is a medical emergency and a warning that you may get a stroke. You need to see a specialist as an urgency. Its the same as a stroke, but the blood supply is only disrupted for a short time, and usually not completely. Symptoms usually pass in less than 24 hours.
Although the symptoms do not last long, a TIA should be taken seriously. It is a sign of a deeper problem with your brain circulation. It is important not to ignore the symptoms of a TIA, even if they are mild and pass quickly – you could be at risk of having a more severe stroke in the near future. More than 1 in 12 people will have a full stroke within a week of having a TIA.
The signs and symptoms of strokes and TIAs include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body. It could be the face, arm, leg, or a combination of these.
- Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in part of the eye, one eye or both eyes.
- Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding.
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or lack of co-ordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
- Sudden change to facial expression or inability to smile.
What you need in this situation
You need an early assessment to confirm the diagnosis and require urgent investigations to find a cause and to prevent stroke. These can be organised quickly in private –
- MRI head scan
- Carotid doppler scan
- Holter ECG
- Specialist blood tests etc