A transient ischaemic attack, often known as a mini-stroke, is when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted for a shorter period of time – anything from a few minutes to 24 hours – followed by complete recovery.
The main symptoms of a TIA can be remembered with the words FAST
FACE – the face may have drooped to one side, the person may not be able to smile, or their mouth or eye may have dropped.
ARMS – the person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them raised because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
SPEECH – the speech may be slurred or garbled or there may be no speech at all. There could also be issues with understanding.
TIME – call 999 immediately if there are any of these signs and symptoms.
There is no one cause of a TIA but there are certain risk factors:
In around one in five people it can be a warning sign of a subsequent stroke.
