A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or "mini-stroke," occurs when a blood clot temporarily clogs an artery and blood flow to the brain is restricted. Symptoms of a TIA can occur rapidly and last for a short period of time (usually less than one hour). Fortunately, TIAs do not cause lasting damage to the brain, but they could be a warning that you may have a stroke in the future. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, about 33 percent of the approximately 50,000 people who have mini-strokes every year will later have a more severe stroke. "The difference between a stroke and a TIA is based on the duration of the patients symptoms," says Leslie Cho, MD, FACC, editor-in-chief of Heart Advisor. Symptoms of both conditions can include numbness or weakness of the face or extremities, confusion, sudden vision loss, and dizziness. Researchers have identified three bedside clinical features that should help distinguish between TIAs and other disorders with similar symptoms. The features include: speed of onset; vague symptoms; and a history of similar events that were not shown to be TIAs. If you think youve experienced a TIA, its important to seek medical treatment immediately. A doctor can assess your symptoms and determine if a TIA or stroke has occurred or if the symptoms were caused by something else such as a seizure, migraine headache, or a problem involving the heart or the brain.
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