Q. Is a TIA dangerous?

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is an interruption in the flow of blood to a part of your brain. Its symptoms are the same as for a stroke. A TIA lasts anywhere from minutes to many hours. It goes away and leaves no apparent permanent effects.

If you have a TIA, your chances of having a stroke are increased nine times. Treat a TIA like an early warning and get to your doctor immediately for a check-up.

A stroke, which is also called a "brain attack," is caused by a blood problem in the brain. An "ischemic stroke" is caused by too little blood in the brain. An "hemorrhagic stroke" is caused by too much blood.

About 80 percent of strokes are ischemic strokes. They occur when blood clots or other particles block arteries to your brain. Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in your brain leaks or ruptures.

During a stroke, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients and begin to die. The earlier a stroke is treated, the better the results.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and the leading cause of adult disability in the United States.

The most common stroke symptoms include: sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis of the face, arm or leg, usually on one side of the body; trouble talking or understanding; sudden blurred, double or decreased vision; dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; a sudden headache with a stiff neck, facial pain, pain between the eyes, vomiting or altered consciousness; confusion, or problems with memory, spatial orientation or perception.

The following can increase your risk of a stroke: a family history of stroke or TIA: aging, race (African-Americans are at greater risk), high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, cigarette smoking, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, previous stroke or TIA, heavy alcohol drinking and uncontrolled stress.

Your doctor has many diagnostic tools for stroke, including: physical exam, blood tests, carotid ultrasonography to check the carotid arteries in your neck, arteriography to view arteries in your brain, a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the neck and brain, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, among others.

Treatments include drugs to fight clots, and medical procedures to keep blood vessels open.

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