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Symptoms of Transient ischaemic attack
A transient ischaemic attack is a brief disturbance of any of the many functions of the brain. Most TIAs last less than 30 minutes and symptoms may include the following:
- Brief loss of half of the field of vision in both eyes;
- Dizziness;
- Faintness;
- Vertigo;
- Confusion of thought;
- Difficulties with speech or swallowing;
- Loss of the understanding of the meaning of words or of the names of objects;
- Weakness or numbness of one side of the body;
- Forgetfulness;
- Temporary loss of consciousness.
One of the most common symptoms of a TIA is called Amaurosis fugax. This is a temporary loss of vision, usually for a few seconds or minutes, caused by interference to the blood supply to parts of the brain or eye. This symptom, which is entirely painless, may be an isolated event or may occur several times during a mini-stroke. The more often it occurs, the more serious the situation.
