What are the first signs of transient ischaemic attack?

A transient ischaemic attack occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly disrupted. Symptoms resemble a stroke and may affect movement, sensation, speech, understanding, sight, or coordination. They can resolve, but that does not make the event harmless or confirm the diagnosis. Other conditions can mimic a TIA, so a clinician must assess what happened.

Risk can be associated with [Hypertension](/conditions/hypertension/), [Atrial Fibrillation](/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/), diabetes, smoking, and previous vascular disease. [Numbness and Tingling](/symptoms/numbness-and-tingling/) has many causes, but sudden one-sided symptoms are an emergency.

Call emergency services when symptoms begin, and record the exact start time and when they stop. Do not wait for a routine appointment, even if the person feels normal again. Keep a list of medicines and relevant conditions available for the emergency team. Avoid driving the person yourself when an ambulance can provide assessment and transport.

Sudden facial asymmetry, one-sided weakness, new numbness, difficulty speaking, vision loss, severe imbalance, or confusion requires emergency evaluation. Symptoms that last briefly still need same-day assessment because a TIA can warn of a later stroke. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) may be part of follow-up, but it should not delay emergency care.

Ask which tests are needed, whether heart rhythm and blood vessels should be checked, and how to reduce future risk. Discuss prescribed [Blood Pressure Medication](/treatments/medical-management/blood-pressure-medication/) or [Statin Therapy](/treatments/medical-management/statin-therapy/) and how to take them safely.