TIA is a medical term that stands for Transient Ischemic Attack. It is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, which usually lasts only a few minutes and is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain. The symptoms of TIA are similar to those of a stroke, but they do not last as long. Common warning signals include sudden onset of weakness, numbness or paralysis on one side of the body, slurred speech or difficulty understanding others, blindness in one or both eyes, dizziness, and severe headache with no apparent cause. TIAs are often warning signs that a person is at risk for a more serious and debilitating stroke. About one-third of those who have a TIA will have an acute stroke sometime in the future. The underlying cause of a TIA often is 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. If a TIA is suspected, a prompt evaluation of symptoms is vital in diagnosing the cause of the TIA and deciding on a method of treatment. Treatment following a TIA can help to reduce the risk of having one.