What is a TIA?
A transient ischaemic attack (TIA or mini stroke) is caused by a temporary blockage in the blood supply to part of your brain. A TIA has the same symptoms as a stroke, but in a TIA, the symptoms last a short time. This is usually between a few minutes to a few hours, and symptoms fully resolve within 24 hours.
You get stroke symptoms because a clot or fatty material in a blood vessel is blocking the blood supply in your brain. When the blockage moves away or dissolves, the blood supply returns and the stroke symptoms stop.
What are the symptoms of a TIA?
A TIA has the same main symptoms as a stroke. The FAST test can help you spot the most common signs of TIA and stroke.
A TIA is a medical emergency, the same as a stroke. If you spot any of the signs of a TIA or stroke, call 999. Do not wait to see if the symptoms pass. If you call 999 with stroke symptoms, you should be taken to hospital.
If you did not get medical help at the time, get an urgent appointment with your GP or go to an NHS urgent treatment centre. You need to get your symptoms checked as soon as possible and they can refer you for an assessment at hospital.
Why is it urgent?
You might feel like you’re fine afterwards, but it’s vital to get medical help right away. A TIA is a warning you’re at risk of having a stroke. The risk is greatest in the first days and weeks after a TIA. You need an urgent assessment to find out what caused the TIA and to get prompt treatment and advice. This can help reduce your risk of a stroke.
The pages below have more information on causes, treatments and reducing the risk of stroke after a TIA.
Why did I have a TIA?
Clots in the brain can happen in different ways, and doctors look for risk factors like high blood pressure, heart problems or smoking. They will talk to you about your health and give you the treatment and advice you need.
What happens if a TIA goes untreated?
Having a TIA is a warning you are at risk of having a stroke. If you do not seek urgent medical help, you may go on to have another TIA or a stroke. So, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible to reduce your risk.
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