Ministroke vs. regular stroke: What's the difference?

Answer Section

When people use the term "ministroke," they're referring to a transient ischemic attack, also called a TIA.

A TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to part of the brain, the spinal cord or the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye known as the retina. This blockage may cause brief strokelike symptoms. But a TIA doesn't cause permanent damage to brain cells or the brain. A regular stroke causes a prolonged blockage that may lead to lasting brain damage or disability. That is how TIA differs from a regular stroke.

Symptoms of TIA usually last only a few minutes. But they may last for up to 24 hours. No matter how long symptoms last, a TIA is often an early warning sign that a person is at risk of stroke. About 1 in 3 people who have TIAs goes on to have a stroke. The risk of stroke is especially high within 48 hours of a TIA. Get medical help even if your symptoms go away.

The symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke and include:

• Numbness or muscle weakness, usually on one side of the body.
• Trouble speaking or understanding speech.
• Dizziness or loss of balance.
• Double vision or trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

Since the symptoms of TIA and stroke are the same, if you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.

You may have tests such as magnetic resonance imaging, also called MRI, or a computerized tomography scan, also called a CT scan, to help determine what caused your TIA. Other tests look for heart or blood vessel conditions. These tests may include heart rhythm monitoring. Tests also may include magnetic resonance angiography, known as MRA, or CT angiography, also called CTA.

Depending on the underlying cause of a TIA, you may need medicine to prevent blood clots. Or you may need a procedure to remove fatty deposits, known as plaque, from arteries that supply blood to your brain. This procedure is called a carotid endarterectomy.