TRANSIENT ISHEMIC ATTACKS

DEFINITION

• TIA is basically a mini stroke
• Blood flow to the brain stops
• For a brief period in time
• Warning sign for a stroke

CAUSES

• Blood clot in a brain artery
• Blood clot that has traveled to the brain
• Injury to blood vessels
• Narrowing of blood vessel in the brain
• High blood pressure

SYMPTOMS

• 2 minutes - 2 hours
• Vertigo or dizziness
• Confusion, loss of memory
• Drooping of the face
• Lack of coordination/control

RISK FACTORS

• Atrial fibrillation
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Increasing age (over 55)
• Race

COMPLICATIONS

• If left untreated and
• Undiagnosed the patient
• Could have a stroke in
• The near future

DIAGNOSIS

• Head CT or brain MRI
• Angiogram
• Echocardiogram
• EKG
• Carotid duplex (ultrasound)

TREATMENTS

• Taking blood thinners
• Can reduce chances of stroke
• Goal is to prevent a stroke

PREVENTIONS

• Eating a healthy diet is one way
• To prevent a blockage in the arteries

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

• Winston Churchill died of a stroke