It corresponds to a transitory deficit in the blood supply that carries the oxygen needed to the brain's neurons.
It is caused by a small clot blocking the passage of blood through one of the arteries that nourish the brain. The clot breaks up spontaneously in less than 24 hours, re-establishing blood circulation without permanent brain damage.
It causes stroke-like symptoms such as impaired speech, vision, sensation or movement of the limbs and face.
Although the symptoms disappear in less than 24 hours, you should check with your doctor urgently to confirm the diagnosis and indicate immediate treatment if it is not transient.
You can prevent or delay its onset by controlling cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing weight, eliminating tobacco and exercising regularly.
- Wade S. Smith, S. Clairbone Johnston, J. Claude Hemphill. Enfermedades cerebrovasculares. Isquemia cerebral transitoria (TIA). Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 2568:2571.
- Karen L Furie, MD, MPH. Hakan Ay, MD. Patient education: Transient ischemic attack (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate. Nov 14, 2014.
- Louis R Caplan, MD. Differential diagnosis of transient ischemic attack and stroke. UpToDate. Mar 22, 2016.
- Caplan LR. Transient ischemic attack with abnormal diffusionweighted imaging results: what's in a name? Arch Neurol 2007- 64:1080.
- Bos MJ, van Rijn MJ, Witteman JC, et al. Incidence and prognosis of transient neurological attacks. JAMA 2007? 298:2877.
