CARE RECIPIENT HEALTH

Q. My neighbor told me that her mother has started having "TIAs." What exactly are TIAs, and how worrisome are they? And does this mean that she is a candidate for a major stroke?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA)—sometimes called a mini-stroke—is one of the body's ultimate warning signals. It produces stroke-like symptoms—including one-sided body weakness or partial paralysis, numbness or tingling on one side, vertigo, difficulty speaking or understanding words—lasting anywhere from several minutes to an hour. But unlike a major stroke, there are ultimately no injuries to the brain. That said, TIAs are cause for concern.

"It indicates you're at significant risk of having a stroke," says David Chiu, MD, an associate professor in the department of neurology at Baylor College of Medicine and medical director of the Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center at Methodist Hospital in Houston. "The greatest risk of a recurrent episode or a stroke is highest in the first few days or couple of weeks after a TIA."

Most strokes aren't preceded by a TIA, so should a TIA occur "it really is important to get immediate attention," Dr. Chiu advises. "It's appropriate to get to the ER of the nearest stroke-center hospital." Strokes are the nation's third leading cause of death, but if treated early, they're also among the most preventable catastrophic illnesses. After a TIA has been dealt with, treatment should not restrict your pursuing regular activities.