The main cause of a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a temporary disruption in blood flow to the brain. This disruption can be caused by a blockage in an artery due to a clot or other obstruction such as plaque build up. TIAs are usually caused by a blood clot that forms in an artery and then travels to the brain. The clot can cause a decrease in blood flow to the brain, resulting in an ischemic stroke. A TIA may also be caused by a spasm of an artery, which can decrease blood flow to the brain.
TIA symptoms are similar to those of a stroke, but they usually resolve within 24 hours. The most common symptom of a TIA is a sudden onset of temporary weakness, numbness, or paralysis of the face, arm, or leg, often on one side of the body. Other symptoms may include difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty seeing, dizziness, and difficulty walking.
The most important cause of a TIA is a blocked artery. This can be due to a variety of factors, including atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in the arteries), high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol. Other causes may include a clotting disorder, an embolism (a blood clot that travels from one part of the body to another), and a tumor that compresses an artery.
In order to prevent a TIA, it is important to make lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, controlling high blood pressure, and managing diabetes. Additionally, it is important to get regular check-ups to detect a potential blockage in the arteries before it becomes a TIA.