What are Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)?
Transient ischemic attacks are episodes in which the symptoms of a stroke develop, but then disappear within a few minutes of a few hours. TIAs may be a warning that a permanent stroke could occur. Most TIAs are caused by partial blockage of arteries in the neck. As small blood clots attempt to pass through these partially blocked carotid arteries, they may become temporarily lodged in that area, temporarily preventing blood flow to a part of the brain. As the blood flow is restored, the symptoms the patient may experience generally disappear without any permanent damage. A surgical procedure called an “endarterectomy” may be done to remove the fatty substance (plaque) formed on the walls of the artery. By removing this partial blockage, a larger and more permanent stroke may be prevented. Recurrent Stroke Recurrent stroke is frequent; about 25 percent of people who recover from their first stroke will have another stroke within 5 years. Recurrent stroke is a major contributor to strok
