A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is caused by a lack of blood flow bringing oxygen to the brain tissues, and is sometimes referred to as a ‘mini-stroke’.
All tissues within the body require oxygen in order to function. The oxygen they require is delivered via the supply of blood that feeds that tissue. When the blood flow is disrupted this oxygen cannot be delivered to the tissue and without this oxygen tissue cells cannot function will die. During a TIA there is disruption in the flow of blood to tissues within the brain. During a TIA there are generally symptoms similar to a stroke; however with a TIA these will resolve. The symptoms of the TIA will depend on the area of the brain that is affected by the disrupted blood flow.
The symptoms of a TIA will normally resolve within 24 hours however a TIA is considered a warning and often a stroke will follow within 72 hours if the appropriate preventative treatment is not given.
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