Transient ischemic attacks (TIA), also known as transient global amnesia or transient memory loss, is an episode where parts of the brain fail to receive sufficient blood. The blood supply to the brain is then restored very quickly, therefore the brain tissue does not degenerate as it would in a normal stroke. This is not unlike a transient ischemic episode in that when the heart stops beating or breathing ceases altogether, the body's other organs will not have a chance to experience any blood loss.
If there is a transient episode of ischemia, there may be no obvious symptoms
However, if the condition progresses, the person may experience numbness, disorientation, and / or a change in mental status. A person with TIA may also pass out and fall into a coma.
Studies have shown that people with TIA tend to have less memory than people without the condition. But even though they do not lose memory, TIA patients experience symptoms similar to those of migraines.
Some people, especially the elderly, are more likely to experience transient ischemic attacks. A number of factors can play a role in this. People who are at a higher risk of having an episode due to their age may experience episodes more often. Likewise, if a person has a family history of TIA, it may increase the likelihood that he or she will suffer from it.
It is not known exactly what causes transient ischemic attacks. The medical community is still trying to find the exact cause. But some research suggests that TIA may be associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain called acetylcholine, and may be caused by damage to brain cells caused by excessive or prolonged exposure to certain drugs.
Researchers also know that most transient ischemic episodes occur in people who have a genetic predisposition for developing them. There are some instances, however, when such episodes occur without any known predisposing factor.
Most patients who experience transient ischemic episodes tend to get better fairly quickly. Once they have recovered, they often go back to normal activities and perform relatively well.
A majority of people who experience transient ischemic attacks do not require treatment
However, it is important for individuals experiencing repeated episodes to seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms can be reversed by undergoing medical treatment, including medication.
Because TIA is commonly misdiagnosed as a migraine, it can be difficult for individuals with the condition to know where to turn for help. In order to avoid making the mistake, patients should consult their physician. Although there is no definitive test to confirm that the symptoms experienced are indeed TIA, it is generally believed that some of the same symptoms would appear in a migraine. Some symptoms that have been associated with TIA include headache, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, seizures and fainting.
When TIA is misdiagnosed as a migraine, the first thing the patient should do is to have a complete medical exam. This includes a thorough physical examination by a doctor. A CT scan may also be conducted to rule out a tumor.
If there is a suspicion that TIA may be present, the physician may suggest tests like blood tests and magnetic resonance imaging. MRI can be used to check for damage to brain cells. Other tests include an electrocardiogram (ECG) and ECG monitor may also be used.
Patients who have TIA usually undergo a number of tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. A physician may use an EKG, a CT scan, EEG and MRI.
There are several treatments available for treating transient ischemic attack. Patients may receive medication, but a majority of these drugs will not work for all cases. They may also rely on other techniques, such as exercise, to prevent recurrences of the attacks.