TIA (transient ischemic attack) is often called a "mini-stroke." And with good reason: some of the symptoms are similar. However, TIA symptoms do not last as long and leave no after-effects. A transient ischemic attack is also the most common cause of temporary vision loss. How does TIA affect your eyes? What are the typical causes and symptoms of TIA? Find out more about the risks of TIA and how to prevent them.
A transient ischemic attack and your eyes
A transient ischemic attack is called a TIA or "mini-stroke." In fact, people who suffer a TIA are at greater risk of suffering a stroke later. Symptoms that point to a TIA include sudden loss of vision in one eye and, more rarely, in both.
Generally speaking:
- Elderly people are at greater risk of suffering a TIA.
- A transient ischemic attack may last only a few minutes.
- People who have had a TIA have an increased risk of experiencing a second episode within a year.
- It is possible to have a TIA while sleeping.
- TIA is the most common cause of temporary sight loss.
Temporary vision loss usually occurs in one eye. It may take the form of a fog or haze that obscures your vision. This vision loss may last a few minutes to a few hours before resolving.
If you have experienced sudden vision loss, you must make an appointment with an optometrist for an eye exam. The tests will help rule out any other possible causes of vision loss.
How do you know if you're suffering from TIA?
Certain signs are characteristic of a transient ischemic attack. If you experience any symptoms described here, it's best to go to the emergency room.
Weakness or numbness
You feel a part of your body go limp or numb for no reason. Usually, these sensations occur on one side of the body only. In other words, you might feel half of your face has stopped responding. One of your legs or arms may feel numb.
Speech difficulties
You may have difficulty speaking, finding the right words or understanding what others are saying. Your speech may sound confused or slurred.
Temporary loss of vision
You feel like a haze or fog is forming in just one of your eyes. Your vision is partially or totally obscured, leading to a sudden, temporary loss of vision.
What causes a transient ischemic attack?
A TIA results from a temporary interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain. The cause is the obstruction of an artery carrying blood to the brain. Most often, this is due to the formation of a blood clot in an artery.
There are risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing a TIA:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Family history of stroke
How long do the symptoms of a TIA last?
With a TIA, blood circulation usually returns within minutes. And the accompanying symptoms also disappear quickly, usually within minutes or hours.
However, just because you've regained all your visual and motor faculties doesn't mean you can resume your normal activities. TIA should be seen as a warning. It tells you that you're at risk of having a stroke.
Preferably, sit down while you meet with health professionals. If possible, lie down. The more you move, the greater your risk of stroke.
How is a TIA treated?
A person who has suffered a TIA needs to consult specialists as soon as possible, who will be able to prescribe a list of necessary tests, such as:
- Blood pressure control
- A complete blood test
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
- A CT scan (computed tomography)
- An ultrasound scan
Anticoagulants are often also prescribed. Hospitalization and possible surgery may be recommended, depending on the cause of the TIA.
In addition, lifestyle changes can reduce risk factors. Smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise and a balanced diet are all approaches to preventing a TIA.
