A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke, is a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain. The disruption in blood supply results in a lack of oxygen to the brain, which can cause symptoms similar to those of a stroke. However, unlike a stroke, the blockage causing a TIA is brief, and there is no permanent damage. TIAs are often warning signs that a person is at risk for a more serious and debilitating stroke.

Symptoms of a TIA usually occur suddenly and can include numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, trouble seeing in one or both eyes, difficulty with walking, dizziness, confusion or difficulty in talking or understanding speech, and loss of balance and coordination. Most symptoms of a TIA disappear within an hour, although they may persist for up to 24 hours.

A TIA is a medical emergency, and it is important to phone 999 or seek medical attention immediately. Even if the symptoms disappear, it is still important to have an assessment at the hospital. A TIA is a warning that you may be at risk of having a full stroke in the near future, and an assessment can help doctors determine the best way to reduce the chances of that happening.

The underlying cause of a TIA is often a buildup of cholesterol-containing fatty deposits called plaques (atherosclerosis) in an artery or one of its branches that supplies oxygen and nutrients to the brain[[2]](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/transient-ischemic-attack/symptoms-causes/...