Whats a “ministroke”?
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a ministroke, is a brief episode of stroke symptoms caused by temporary interruptions of blood flow to the brain. A TIA starts just like a stroke but then resolves, leaving no noticeable symptoms or deficits. The average duration of a TIA is a few minutes, and most go away within an hour. Unlike actual strokes, TIAs do not kill brain cells, and therefore do not result in permanent neurological impairment. However, they can be important warning signs of an impending stroke. In one study, 10 percent of those who had a TIA had a stroke within just 90 days, and half of those occurred within only 48 hours. Thus, the occurrence of a TIA should be taken very seriously, and medical attention should be sought immediately to prevent a disabling stroke.
