What are Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIAs)?
TIA stands for Transient (short-lived, not lasting more than 24 hours) Ischaemic (not enough blood) Attack (ouch!). A TIA may present suddenly as weakness of an arm and/or leg, loss or slurring of speech, loss of balance, loss of vision, or an episode of confusion or memory loss. TIAs occur because the blood supply to the brain is insufficient for the usual brain function to continue, but they always resolve completely within 24 hours leaving no residual disability. If they last longer than 24 hours and then completely resolve, they may be called Reversible Ischaemic Neurological Deficits (RINDs). If they do not resolve then the patient has had a stroke (CVA, cerebrovascular accident) with some residual disability. When a TIA occurs, it is vital that medical advice is sought because the TIA can sometimes act as a warning sign of an impending stroke, and certain forms of treatment can sometimes prevent such strokes happening, or reduce their likelihood. Treatments might include various
