What is TIA and amaurosis fugax ?
When thinking of symptoms caused by carotid disease, we have to remember that the right side of the brain controls and receives information from the left side of the body, whereas the left side of the brain deals with the right side of the body. If a small amount of debris or clot travels to the brain from the carotid artery, it may cause a small part of the brain to be deprived of its blood supply. This causes symptoms and signs suggestive of a stroke (i.e. weakness of the face, arm or leg; altered sensation in these areas; or, sometimes difficulty with understanding speech or talking). If the problem goes away completely within 24 hours, it is referred to as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke . If the problem persists beyond 24 hours but there is excellent recovery then it is known as a minor stroke. The carotid artery responsible will be on the opposite side to the body part affected. A TIA indicates that you are at higher risk of a major stroke within the next year.
