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How to Diagnose a Transient Ischemic Attack

A transient ischemic attack, also known as a TIA, is often considered a mini-stroke. A TIA is transient; the effects are temporary and usually lasts an hour or less. It can last up to 24 hours and may or may not lead to a stroke. That's why it's so important to get a diagnosis from your doctor as soon as possible.

Instructions

  1. Symptoms of a Transient Ischemic Attack

    • 1

      Lose balance or a feel clumsy suddenly. This can be a symptom of a TIA.

    • 2

      Feel weak or heavy in your legs. This can also be a symptom of a transient ischemic attack.

    • 3

      Feel sudden numbness or tingling on one side of your body or face. This is a symptom of a TIA.

    • 4

      Have speech that is slurred, difficulty speaking or understanding. These are symptoms of a transient ischemic attack.

    • 5

      Feel confused, even temporarily. This is a symptom of a TIA.

    • 6

      Lose sight suddenly in one eye or blurry vision. This too can be a symptom of a TIA.

    Diagnosing a TIA

    • 7

      Take a complete medical history to help your doctor determine your risk for a TIA, including any previous TIA's or stroke, heart disease, narrowing of the carotid artery, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or physical inactivity among many others.

    • 8

      Rule out other medical problems that can mimic a TIA, including veins spasms caused by the use of cocaine, seizures, vertigo and migraines with an aura. Other medical conditions to consider can be low blood sugar, abnormal clotting factors or metabolic disease.

    • 9

      Perform a physical exam in which the doctor will concentrate on neurological symptoms. He will check reflexes, test for weakness of the extremities, check balance and motor skills. The doctor will also check for cognition and awareness, speech and language.

    Diagnostic Tests

    • 10

      Draw blood. The doctor will check for bleeding and coagulation time, blood sugar, electrolytes and a complete blood count. Depending on symptoms and history, the doctor may order more blood work.

    • 11

      Find a blockage by using an ultrasound on the carotid artery, which should be included in the diagnostic tests.

    • 12

      Undergo an MRI or CT scan to also help your doctor diagnose a TIA.

    • 13

      Discover the cause of some TIA's by using a TEE; this is a transesophageal echocardiogram. This type of test can determine if the TIA was caused by a heart defect or heart disease.

    • 14

      Put the pieces together, so the doctor can determine if you've had a transient ischemic attack and proceed with the best treatment.

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