Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

A transient ischaemic attack or mini-stroke is when the interruption of blood supply is short-lived. This produces transient stroke-like symptoms that usually clear up within a few minutes. A TIA should be considered a warning sign as a major stroke may follow. Don’t ignore the symptoms! Get advice from your doctor.

Symptoms of stroke and TIA

The symptoms of a stroke vary depending on the type (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) and location of the stroke in the brain. Stroke symptoms usually occur suddenly, coming on within seconds or minutes. Occasionally, it can be over a period of hours or more rarely, days. A person who is suspected of having a stroke should be taken to hospital as an emergency, as the sooner a stroke is diagnosed and treated the less damage there is likely to be to the brain tissue and the better chance of a good recovery.

Symptoms include:



• Sudden weakness, numbness or paralysis often down one side affecting the face, arm, leg or the whole of one side of the body.
• Loss or disturbance of vision, especially in one eye.
• Confusion or difficulty understanding.
• Difficulty speaking and swallowing.
• Dizziness, loss of balance or co-ordination.
• Sudden severe headache.