TIA or Transient Ischemic Attack can be described as a mini-stroke. While a TIA does not necessarily cause serious damage to the brain, it is a serious “brain attackâ€. TIA’s look just like a regular stroke except that the symptoms disappear in less than 24 hours and many times the symptoms last less than an 1 hour.

These mini-strokes take place when the blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted. Most TIA’s are due to a blood clot which either frees it’s self or dissolves before permanent brain death takes place. Left untreated the possibility of suffering a major stroke is increased by 80%.

Some of the symptoms to look for are:
â– Numbness, tingling or heaviness.
â– Unable to move arms, legs or face especially on one side of the body.
â– Double vision, blurriness or unable to see out of one eye.
â– Difficulty in speaking.
â– Unsteady, dizzy or loss of balance.

Again these symptoms can last less than an hour and many times we dismiss these occurrences as to being tired, under stress or fatigued. If you experience any of these warning signs, see your physician immediately.

Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death right behind heart attacks and cancer. High blood pressure is the leading cause for strokes. To reduce your risk factors, control your blood pressure. Watch your cholesterol levels. Eat health, exercises and if you smoke, quit.

Know the warning signs and get medical care immediately. Time is a major factor whether it is a Transient Ischemic Attack or a full blown Stroke.