What is a TIA?

A family member seems to be having difficulty speaking for a minute or so, but then the moment passes and all seems normal again. What just happened? Was the person having a small stroke or just stumbling for words?

Knowing the signs of a possible stroke and acting quickly on them could make the difference in the survival and recovery of the person affected, according to Prabhjot Singh Khalsa, MD, a Washington Health neurologist. The incident could signal that the person has just experienced a TIA or transient ischemic attack, a possible precursor to a more damaging stroke.

Dr. Khalsa will discuss TIAs and strokes at a Wednesday, May 28, Washington Health online seminar, “Understanding TIAs: Recognizing Warning Signs and Preventing Strokes.” The free 5 p.m. Health & Wellness seminar can be accessed on Facebook.com/WashingtonHealth1 or YouTube.com/@Washington_Health.

A TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, often caused by a blood clot that subsequently dissolves. The affected part of the brain doesn’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs, causing brain cells to die. Sometimes the TIA isn’t noticed when it occurs and any damage it may have caused also goes unnoticed. “A TIA can be a warning stroke, signaling a possible full-blown stroke ahead,” warns Dr. Khalsa.

A TIA’s symptoms can disappear in minutes or less than an hour. Dr. Khalsa notes, “This makes a diagnosis challenging, so anyone suspected of having had a TIA should have an emergency evaluation as soon as possible by a doctor.”

In his seminar, Dr. Khalsa will discuss TIAs and the two types of major strokes (ischemic and hemorrhagic) and explain the range of damage each stroke may cause. He also will discuss how to recognize a stroke, including the FAST warning signs.

• Face: Does one side of the face droop?
• Arms: Is one arm weak, difficult to hold straight out?
• Speech: Can the person repeat a simple phrase?
• Time: Immediate action is required if one of the previous signs is observed.

Other symptoms can include numbness, confusion, trouble seeing or walking, or a severe headache.

“Strokes act quickly and anyone observing any of these symptoms should act quickly too,” he advises. “Call 911 immediately. Time is of great importance as treatment must be administered soon after the onset of symptoms to reduce the effects of stroke.”

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States with more than 800,000 persons annually suffering a stroke. Each year, stroke affects about 55,000 more women than men and Black persons are twice as likely as white persons to have a first-time stroke.

Up to 80% of strokes may be prevented with lifestyle changes. Stroke risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, circulation problems and atrial fibrillation which increases stroke risk fivefold. Lifestyle changes should include quitting smoking and vaping, eliminating or reducing alcohol use, maintaining a healthy weight, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy diet.

“If you have any suspicion that you or someone you are with may be experiencing a stroke of any strength or duration, call 911 immediately,” Dr. Khalsa urges. “Calling 911 is better than trying to drive someone to the hospital. It’s far better to act and be safe than to be sorry later.”

For more information on Washington Health’s Stroke Program, visit WashingtonHealth.com/stroke.