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Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA / Mini-Stroke)
A TIA, or mini-stroke, causes stroke-like symptoms that pass within minutes to hours because the blockage clears on its own. It is a serious warning sign that a full stroke may follow.
Causes & risk factors
- A temporary clot briefly blocking a brain artery
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation)
- Narrowed neck (carotid) arteries
- Diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking
- Older age
Common symptoms
- Brief face droop or arm weakness
- Temporary slurred speech
- Passing numbness
- Brief vision loss
- Sudden dizziness or imbalance
- Confusion that resolves
Tests & diagnosis
- CT scan of the brain
- MRI brain
- ECG (check for AF)
- Carotid ultrasound
- Lipid profile
Treatment & management
- Urgent assessment — a TIA is treated as an emergency to prevent a full stroke
- Blood-thinning medicines as advised
- Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes
- Treating narrowed carotid arteries if found
- Stopping smoking and adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle
When to see a doctor urgently
- Any stroke-like symptoms, even brief ones — call your local emergency number now
- Do not ignore symptoms just because they went away
- Seek same-day medical review after any suspected TIA
- Repeated brief episodes — get urgent care
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about transient ischaemic attack (tia / mini-stroke). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
If the symptoms go away, do I still need help?
Yes. A TIA is a major warning that a stroke could follow soon, often within days. Urgent assessment and treatment greatly reduce that risk.
How is a TIA different from a stroke?
The symptoms are the same, but in a TIA they resolve fully because the blockage clears. In a stroke, brain tissue is damaged. Both are emergencies.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.