What causes a mini-stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
A TIA, or mini-stroke, will produce the same warning signs as a major stroke; however, these signs last only a few minutes. TIAs are important stroke warnings. Do not ignore them. Emergency treatment is vital. top What are the key links in the Stroke Chain of Survival? You must treat every stroke or TIA as a life-threatening emergency. Time is critical when diagnosing and treating stroke. To gain the greatest benefit from tPA, a “clot-busting” drug treatment, and other emergency therapy, you must get to a hospital quickly. A doctor should diagnose your stroke and treat you within three hours of the time symptoms began. Emergency room tests will determine if a stroke, a TIA or another medical problem caused your symptoms.
