When blood flow to part of the brain stops for a short period of time,
also called transient ischemic attack (TIA), it can mimic stroke-like symptoms.
These symptoms appear and last less than 24 hours before disappearing. While
TIAs generally do not cause permanent brain damage, they are a serious warning
sign that a stroke may happen in the future and should not be ignored.
TIAs are usually caused by one of three things:
1. Low blood flow at
a narrow part of a major artery carrying blood to the brain, such as the
carotid artery.
2. A blood clot in
another part of the body (such as the heart) breaks off, travels to the
brain, and blocks a blood vessel in the brain.
3. Narrowing of the
smaller blood vessel in the brain, blocking blood flow for a short period of
time; usually caused by plaque (a fatty substance) build-up.
Some important facts to keep in mind include:
- 40 percent of people who
have a TIA will have an actual stroke
- Nearly half of all strokes occur within the first few days after a TIA
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