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TIA Vs. Stroke

Considered a 'mini-stroke,' a bout of TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) produces similar symptoms and precedes a full stroke in about 30 percent of cases.

  1. Features

    • Both are characterized by lack of blood flow to the brain. Causes include a buildup of plaque in oxygen-supplying arteries and movement of a blood clot from the brain to another area. In stroke cases, hemorrhage may occur, leaking blood into the brain, and effectively cutting off oxygen and killing brain cells.

    Signs and Symptoms

    • During TIA or stroke, victims can experience visual impairment, vertigo, fatigue, dizziness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the face or body, loss of coordination, slurred speech and confusion.

    Effects

    • While sufferers of TIA find their symptoms recede within 24 hours, effects of a stroke--paralysis, depression, and emotional outbursts--are usually permanent, having no known cures.

    Prevention

    • Hypertension, heart disease, smoking, and diabetes are all risk factors for TIA and stroke. Healthy diet, regular exercise, and cessation of habits such as smoking and drinking can help reduce the probability of an occurence.

    Expert Insight

    • In her autobiographical "My Stroke of Insight," Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor details her experiences during her own stroke and recovery.

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