Transient Ischemic Attack (Mini Stroke) | Baylor Scott & White Health

What is a transient ischemic attack?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to the brain is briefly blocked. It causes stroke-like symptoms such as numbness, weakness, vision changes or trouble speaking. These symptoms come on suddenly but usually go away within minutes or hours without causing lasting damage.

Often called a “mini stroke,” a TIA doesn’t cause permanent damage, but it’s a warning sign that a more serious stroke could happen in the near future. If you or someone else experiences symptoms, don’t ignore them—get medical help right away, even if the symptoms go away on their own. Acting quickly can help prevent a full stroke with lasting health consequences.

Mini stroke symptoms

A TIA causes stroke-like symptoms that go away within minutes or up to 24 hours. Symptoms appear suddenly and may include:

Feeling confused or having trouble understanding others
Dizziness, trouble walking or loss of balance
Numbness, tingling or weakness, often on one side of the body
Blurry vision, double vision, loss of vision, hearing problems or other sensory changes
Slurred or mixed-up speech
Facial drooping

When to see a doctor

There is no immediate way to tell if symptoms are caused by a TIA or a stroke, so it is critical to seek emergency medical care right away. Call an ambulance instead of driving to the hospital.

Anyone experiencing stroke symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible, ideally within an hour. A quick assessment can help determine the cause of the TIA or stroke and the best course of treatment.

What causes TIA?

Your brain needs a supply of blood to keep cells alive and functioning. Arteries in your neck carry blood to your brain, but sometimes, these arteries can become blocked by plaque or a blood clot. The blockage interrupts blood flow to the brain, leading to mini stroke symptoms. This can happen in a few ways:

Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup narrows arteries, and the plaque or a blood clot on the plaque may block blood flow.
Thrombosis: A clot forms in the brain’s arteries, blocking blood flow.
Embolism: A clot or debris from elsewhere in the body travels to the brain and causes a blockage, like in atrial fibrillation (Afib).
Injured blood vessels: Damaged arteries can narrow or become blocked, leading to a TIA.

TIA risk factors

Some factors increase your risk of having a TIA. While some of these you can’t change, others can be managed with lifestyle changes and medical care.

Complications

Mini stroke symptoms pass within a few minutes to 24 hours without lasting damage. The most serious complication of a TIA is that it increases your risk of a stroke. Almost 20% of people who have a suspected TIA will have a stroke within 90 days.

How are transient ischemic attacks diagnosed?

A transient ischemic attack can sometimes be diagnosed through your symptoms and medical history, but tests are usually needed for confirmation. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you think you may be having a mini stroke.

Medical history and exam

TIAs often pass quickly, so you might not have any symptoms by the time you see a doctor. After your initial assessment, your doctor will refer you to a specialist for more tests to help figure out what caused the mini stroke, ideally within 24 hours of when your symptoms started. You'll likely see a neurologist or a stroke expert.

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how long they lasted and your health history to help rule out other possible causes. Even if you feel fine, you may still need a quick neurological exam, which includes simple tasks to check your strength, coordination and sensation. If you're unable to answer some questions, a family member or someone close to you can help by sharing this information.

Transient ischemic attack treatments

A TIA is a temporary event, but it's a warning that a stroke could happen. By treating the conditions that caused the TIA, you can reduce the risk of having a stroke.

Healthcare providers usually recommend treating these conditions aggressively because strokes are much more serious. Strokes can be harder to treat and can cause lasting damage or even be life-threatening, even with medical intervention. After a stroke has occurred, there are often lasting health impacts.

Common treatments to help prevent a stroke after a TIA include medications, procedures that use a catheter and sometimes surgery.

Lifestyle changes

Knowing your risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle are the best ways to reduce your chances of having a transient ischemic attack. Your doctor can advise you about which lifestyle changes will be most helpful in your case.

Stop smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for stroke. If you smoke or vape, it's time to stop. Avoid secondhand smoke, too.
Eat a healthy diet. Cutting back on saturated and trans fats can help prevent plaque buildup in your arteries. Focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables full of nutrients like potassium and antioxidants that support your heart and brain. If you have high blood pressure, avoid salty foods and don't add extra salt to your meals to help keep your blood pressure in check.
Exercise regularly. Physical activity is one of the best ways to lower blood pressure and keep your heart healthy.
Drink alcohol in moderation. If you drink, stick to no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can increase your risk of high blood pressure and other health issues. Losing weight through diet and exercise can improve your health.
Control your diabetes. Managing diabetes and high blood pressure with a healthy diet, exercise and medication (if needed) can help reduce your risk.
See your primary care provider. A regular visit with your doctor is a great way to stay healthy.

Find a location near you

If you or someone you know is experiencing TIA symptoms, don’t wait—seek medical help immediately. Our North and Central Texas hospitals are equipped with dedicated stroke care teams, ready to provide rapid assessment and treatment to help prevent a more serious stroke. Find the nearest location for the care you need and reduce your risk of a full stroke.

Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center

4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093

Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center

4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093

What is a transient ischemic attack?

Mini stroke symptoms

When to see a doctor

What causes TIA?

TIA risk factors

Risk factors you can control

Risk factors you can’t change

Complications

How are transient ischemic attacks diagnosed?

Medical history and exam

Transient ischemic attack treatments

Lifestyle changes

Find a location near you

Frequently asked questions

Is a TIA a stroke?

What are the main signs of stroke or TIA?

How long does a TIA attack last?

How do you know if you had a TIA?

Do mini strokes show up on MRI?

Can you have a mini stroke and not know it?

Can stress cause a mini stroke?

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