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What are the Most Common TIA Symptoms?
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
A transient ischemic attack or TIA is a condition that manifests itself in a manner that is similar to experiencing a stroke. Sometimes referred to as a mini stroke, a TIA does not cause any type of permanent damage in and of itself. However, experiencing an attack of this type could mean that the chances of having a full-blown stroke are significantly increased, and a doctor should be consulted immediately.
While TIA does not cause any permanent damage, there are a number of symptoms associated with this type of brain attack. One of the more common TIA symptoms is sudden dizziness that is accompanied by a reduced sense of balance. Even when the individual is sitting, the ischemic attack may cause the individual to feel as if he or she is about to fall out of the chair.
A sudden change in vision is also one of the more frequent TIA symptoms. In some people, the vision may become blurred suddenly. Others experience a short period of blindness in one or both eyes. Another manifestation of this symptom is the sudden appearance of double vision that lasts for the duration of the attack and for some time afterward.
Changes in speech and cognition are also TIA symptoms experienced during and after an attack. The individual may suddenly find it very difficult to enunciate properly. At the same time, the ability to understand what others are saying may be seriously impaired. As the attack ends, these symptoms begin to subside and may disappear altogether within a day or two of the episode.
Even with the mildest of attacks, the individual is likely to experience a pronounced sense of weakness in the extremities as well as some numbness. With TIA symptoms of this type, arms and legs may become momentarily paralyzed, or at least have a feeling of heaviness that makes movement extremely difficult. Facial muscles may also feel numb or paralyzed for a period of time. Normally, these symptoms occur on one side of the body while not affecting the other side.
When any TIA symptoms are manifested, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. While the attacks tend to not produce any lasting effects, a high percentage of people who experience a transient ischemic attack will move on to experience a stroke in the near future. In order to minimize the possible damage that could result from a full-blown stroke, the individual should see a doctor for a complete evaluation. At the very least, the force of the upcoming stroke and the after effects can be minimized. In some cases, prompt medical attention after an ischemic attack can even prevent the occurrence of a stroke altogether.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
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![Dizziness is one of the most common symptoms of TIA.]()
By: arekmalangDizziness is one of the most common symptoms of TIA. -
![An individual with TIA will experience changes in speech.]()
By: sakuraAn individual with TIA will experience changes in speech. -
![An individual with TIA will experience changes in vision.]()
By: katalinksAn individual with TIA will experience changes in vision. -
![The human brain.]()
By: Balint RaduThe human brain. -
![TIA is sometimes called a mini-stroke, as it mimics the symptoms of a stroke.]()
By: joshyaTIA is sometimes called a mini-stroke, as it mimics the symptoms of a stroke.
Discussion Comments
Is stress ever a cause of a tia?
What is the treatment for TIA? I need help for my wife. She is having a hard time. The doctor cannot do anything.
Looking at posts 1-8, I see some symptoms I have had off and on for decades (I am 63). I have had dizziness, facial numbness or facial pain, temporary blacking out while awake, dizziness on moving head when looking up, and some balance issues, including occasional falling if not careful. After being tested for M.S., the diagnosis was migraine complex and I was given Nortriptyline. You don't need to have a headache for it to be a migraine. I also get headaches from computer use, visual overstimulation, eyes needing rest period, or a change of glasses.
My son, who eats fresh fish daily, has sleep apnea and two myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) before the age of 40. Just for your information.
I am 31 now. When I was 14, I had a sensation. The best way I can describe it is as loss of person. It happened in class at school. It lasted for an hour or more, then went away.
Over the next week, the feeling happened more and stayed longer until that feeling was all that remained. I have noticed problems with cognitive thinking and slurred wording if I don't focus on it. I have no problems as far as motor skills and I don't believe this problem is related to a mental disorder.
I am finding I sometimes, out of nowhere start having a feeling of swallowing my tongue and it's hard to talk. It's a very scary and strange feeling.
I am also experiencing more bad headaches. I think like a migraine type and just a lot of things. I have many issues such as unmedicated high blood pressure, my sugar drops at times, I have sleep apnea, and I am overweight, not morbidly but at least 40 pounds. I think I might be having mini strokes. I am only 42.
Infrequently I have a sensation of my brain being "reset" like a computer. I am not sure if it is from stress, driving too much, high blood pressure or medicine that I take.
I spoke with a friend that just had a series of TIA and then a full stroke. She said she had that sensation too before the main stroke. Comments please?
blurred right eye vision; right arm tingling to numbness; nauseating weakness; extreme fatigue; headache. Are these TIA symptoms?
I've had difficulty swallowing for several years now but the doctor just ignored it. Sometimes it seemed like what I swallowed would go down the wrong pipe and I would choke. This still happens.
I just had my first (to my knowledge) TIA a few weeks ago. I was in the ER for a different matter. Now I'm having trouble with weakness in my left hand. Is there any physical therapy I can do to help this?
I was just diagnosed with having TIA and thought with all the symptoms that I was telling people that the trouble in swallowing was something that I didn't tell anyone. Prior to this I had never even heard of TIA. What makes swallowing difficult?
my mother was 96 yrs old when she had a stroke. I recognized the common symptoms: weakness, inability to speak, unable to walk. but no one ever told me to watch for difficulty in swallowing. I noticed that a week prior to her final stroke.
the neurosurgeon who attended her said that difficulty is swallowing is a sign of a mini stroke. why is this not commonly known?
is tingling down one side and partial blindness in one eye symptoms of tia?
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