Quick answer

What is transient ischaemic attack (tia)?

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a temporary disruption of blood supply to the brain — often called a mini-stroke. Symptoms are the same as stroke but usually resolve within minutes to 24 hours. A TIA is a medical emergency because roughly 1 in 3 people who have a TIA will go on to have a full stroke, often within days. Call 999 if you suspect a TIA or stroke — do not wait for symptoms to pass.

TIA — a warning stroke you must not ignore

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is sometimes called a mini-stroke. It happens when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily interrupted — causing stroke-like symptoms that usually resolve within 24 hours, often within minutes.

A TIA is not harmless. It signals that you are at high risk of a full stroke — about 1 in 3 people who have a TIA will have a stroke afterwards, frequently within days. Treating a TIA urgently is one of the most effective ways to prevent permanent disability.

Recognising a TIA — think FAST

FAST helps you spot stroke and TIA:

  • Face — has their face dropped on one side? Can they smile evenly?
  • Arms — can they raise both arms and keep them up?
  • Speech — is speech slurred or strange?
  • Time — call 999 immediately

Other symptoms include sudden vision loss, numbness on one side, dizziness, loss of balance, or a sudden severe headache. Because symptoms may fade quickly, people sometimes delay seeking help — do not wait.

What causes a TIA?

A TIA is usually caused by a small blood clot or narrowed artery reducing blood flow to the brain. Common underlying causes:

  • Atrial fibrillation — irregular heartbeat allowing clots to form
  • Carotid artery disease — narrowing of arteries in the neck
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking

Diagnosis and urgent assessment

NICE recommends specialist assessment within 24 hours of a suspected TIA. This may happen in hospital or through a rapid-access TIA clinic.

Assessment typically includes:

  1. Clinical history — exact timing and nature of symptoms
  2. Brain scan — CT or MRI to exclude stroke and bleeding
  3. ECG — checking for atrial fibrillation
  4. Blood tests — glucose, cholesterol, clotting
  5. Carotid ultrasound — if artery narrowing is suspected

Treatment — preventing stroke

The goal is to reduce stroke risk as quickly as possible:

Antiplatelet medicines — clopidogrel or aspirin stop platelets clumping together.

Blood pressure treatment — keeping blood pressure controlled reduces future events.

Statins — lower cholesterol and stabilise artery plaques.

Anticoagulation — if atrial fibrillation is found, blood-thinning medicines such as apixaban or warfarin may be needed.

Carotid endarterectomy — surgery to clear a severely narrowed neck artery in selected patients.

Lifestyle changes — stopping smoking, healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management.

TIA vs migraine aura

Both can cause visual disturbance and numbness. Key differences: TIA symptoms are sudden, often one-sided, and include face or arm weakness and speech difficulty. Migraine aura usually builds gradually and may include flashing lights or zigzag patterns. When in doubt — call 999.

Living after a TIA

Most people recover fully from the TIA itself, but long-term prevention matters. Take prescribed medicines, attend follow-up appointments, manage blood pressure and cholesterol, and report any new symptoms immediately. See stroke for what happens when brain damage is permanent.

Common questions

What is the difference between a TIA and a stroke?
A TIA causes the same symptoms as a stroke but blood flow returns before permanent brain damage occurs — symptoms usually resolve within minutes to 24 hours. A stroke causes lasting damage because blood supply is interrupted for longer. Both need emergency assessment — you cannot tell which is which at the start.
What are the symptoms of a TIA?
Use FAST — Face drooping on one side, Arm weakness, Speech slurred or garbled, Time to call 999. Other symptoms include sudden vision loss in one or both eyes, sudden numbness on one side, dizziness, loss of balance, or sudden severe headache. Symptoms may last only a few minutes.
Why is a TIA an emergency if symptoms go away?
A TIA is a warning sign that the blood supply to the brain is at risk. About 1 in 3 people who have a TIA will have a full stroke — often within days. Urgent treatment can significantly reduce that risk.
How is a TIA diagnosed?
A doctor takes a detailed history of symptoms and examines you. Brain imaging — usually CT or MRI — rules out stroke and bleeding. Blood tests, ECG, and carotid ultrasound may check for causes such as atrial fibrillation or narrowed neck arteries.
What treatment prevents stroke after a TIA?
Antiplatelet medicines such as clopidogrel or aspirin reduce clot risk. Blood pressure and cholesterol are treated with medicines and lifestyle changes. Atrial fibrillation may need anticoagulation. Carotid artery surgery is considered if a major neck artery is significantly narrowed.
Can lifestyle changes reduce TIA risk?
Yes. Stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol all reduce stroke risk. Managing diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol is essential.
Will I need to stop driving after a TIA?
You must not drive for at least 1 month after a single TIA, or longer if you have recurrent TIAs or a stroke. Inform the DVLA. Your doctor or specialist will advise when it is safe to return to driving.

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