Transient Ischemic Attack

Although strokes are one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability, there is still much we as patients don’t know about them. In fact, many don’t know that there are actually different kinds of strokes, including what we refer to as a mini stroke, or TIA (transient ischemic attack).

While mini strokes don’t cause permanent brain damage like other strokes, they are often an early sign that a more significant stroke may follow. Mini strokes can affect both women and men, though are most common in women, African-Americans, and those over 55.

Symptoms and signs of a mini stroke are similar to those of a major stroke, including weakness or numbness in the face, body and limbs, slurred speech or difficulty speaking, trouble seeing out of one or both eyes, and dizziness or trouble balancing.

Mini strokes, sometimes referred to as a silent stroke, can occur when blood is unable to reach the brain, often caused by a blocked or clogged artery. While these episodes are temporary, lasting from just a few minutes to several hours, thousands of brain cells die each second the brain goes without blood.

Mini strokes eventually go away on their own, leading many patients to disregard them or fail to report them to their physician. However, those who suffer a mini stroke are substantially more likely to suffer a larger stroke within the following days and months. Understanding the symptoms and acting quickly is essential to prevent further loss of valuable brain cells and to prevent more serious strokes from occurring.

If you think you may have suffered a mini stroke, seek medical action immediately. Your physician will be help determine what may have caused your mini stroke, and help you prevent further complications.

Intermountain Healthcare has been widely recognized for their success in helping patients suffering from both mini and major strokes. Our stroke team consistently treats patients in 15 minutes less than the national average, resulting in nearly 30 million brain cells saved. Every minute of a mini stroke matters.

Contact your Intermountain physician to learn if you are at risk and what you can do to prevent, recognize, and treat mini strokes. Learn more about how Intermountain’s is advancing stroke treatment by visiting our "Critical Care Breakthroughs" website.

You can help prevent mini strokes and these symptoms by talking to your doctor about risk factors, specifically blood clots, and taking the appropriate preventative measures.