Transient ischaemic attack pathophysiology

Brain cells need a continuous supply of oxygen and glucose delivered through blood vessels. A clot or small piece of fatty material can briefly obstruct an artery. The affected area then cannot communicate normally, which may cause weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty, vision change, dizziness, or numbness. The blockage may move away or dissolve, allowing circulation to return before permanent damage develops.

The source can be a blood vessel in the neck or brain, or a clot formed in the heart. Atrial fibrillation can allow blood to pool in the heart and form clots. Hypertension can damage artery walls and increase vascular strain. The mechanism explains why symptoms can stop, but the event still needs urgent assessment.

Record when symptoms began, which body areas were affected, and when they stopped. Arrange urgent medical assessment even if you feel normal now. A clinician may check your neurological function, blood pressure, heart rhythm, blood tests, and brain or blood-vessel imaging. Treatment depends on the suspected source and may include blood-pressure control or cholesterol-lowering treatment. Do not start or stop these medicines without medical advice.

Call emergency services immediately for new facial drooping, one-sided weakness or numbness, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden vision loss, severe imbalance, or a sudden severe headache. Do this even if the symptom improves while you are waiting. Keep track of the exact last time the person was known to be well, and do not drive yourself.

Ask what part of the circulation may have been affected, whether your heart rhythm needs monitoring, and which risk factors need attention. You can also ask how blood-pressure medication, statin therapy, or an urgent GP consultation fits into your follow-up plan.