The Medical City Institute of Neurological Sciences
4/F Podium Bldg., The Medical City, Ortigas Ave. Pasig City

Operating Hours: Open daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM except Sundays and Holidays (All procedures are by appointment only)

Contact Numbers
(632) 8-988-1000/(632) 8-988-7000 loc. 6270

PATIENT SERVICES

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Treatment in the Philippines

What is Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) occurs when there is a temporary reduction in blood flow to a part of the brain. Unlike a full-blown stroke, the blockage causing a TIA is short-lived, and the symptoms usually resolve within minutes to hours, typically within 24 hours. Although TIAs don't cause permanent damage, they serve as a warning sign that a more serious stroke may occur in the future, making transient ischemic attack treatment necessary.

TIAs are a result of the same underlying problems that cause ischemic strokes, such as blood clots or narrowed blood vessels. They are considered medical emergencies because they indicate that the brain isn’t receiving enough oxygen, and the risk of a major stroke increases significantly after a TIA.

What are the Symptoms of TIA?

The symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of an ischemic stroke, but they tend to be short-lived and may come and go quickly. Common symptoms include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness: This usually affects one side of the body, including the face, arm, or leg. For example, you might suddenly feel weakness or a loss of sensation in your right arm and leg.


• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech: You may find it hard to form words, speak clearly, or comprehend what others are saying.


• Vision problems: A TIA can cause temporary vision changes, such as blurred vision or the sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.


• Dizziness or loss of balance: Sudden difficulty walking, unsteadiness, or a feeling of vertigo may occur during a TIA.


• Severe headache: In some cases, a TIA can cause a sudden, intense headache without a known cause.

Because the symptoms of TIA and stroke are so similar, it’s critical to treat every potential TIA as an emergency. Even if the symptoms resolve quickly, medical attention is necessary to assess your stroke risk and prevent future episodes.

How is TIA Diagnosed?

Before providing transient ischemic attack treatment, healthcare professionals must rule out other conditions and determine whether a stroke or another brain-related issue is causing the symptoms. This process often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Common steps in diagnosing TIA include:

• Physical Examination and Medical History: The doctor will perform a physical exam to check for neurological deficits, such as weakness, speech difficulties, or vision problems. They will also ask about your symptoms, their onset, and any relevant medical history, including risk factors for stroke like high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking.


• Brain Imaging: A computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain is often the first test performed to look for signs of bleeding, stroke, or other abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used to get a more detailed view of the brain and identify small areas of damage that may not be visible on a CT scan.


• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check for conditions that can lead to blood clots or other stroke risks, such as high cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and blood clotting disorders.


• Carotid Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to check for blockages or narrowing in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. Blockages in these arteries can lead to TIAs or strokes.


• Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart. It helps detect any heart conditions, such as an irregular heartbeat or clots, that could be contributing to TIAs.

What is the Treatment for TIA?

TIA treatment primarily involves preventing future TIAs or a full stroke by addressing the underlying risk factors. TIA stroke treatment options typically include lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgical interventions. The main treatment strategies are:

• Antiplatelet drugs: Medications like aspirin or clopidogrel help prevent blood clots by making it harder for platelets (a type of blood cell) to stick together. These are often prescribed to reduce the risk of future TIAs or strokes.


• Anticoagulants: If a heart condition like atrial fibrillation is responsible for your TIA, anticoagulants like warfarin or newer drugs like apixaban may be prescribed to thin the blood and prevent clot formation.


• Blood pressure medications: Managing high blood pressure is crucial in preventing further TIAs or strokes. Doctors may prescribe medications such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers to control blood pressure.


• Cholesterol-lowering drugs: Statins or other medications may be prescribed to lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of fatty deposits forming in the blood vessels.


• Carotid endarterectomy: If significant narrowing is found in the carotid arteries, a carotid endarterectomy may be recommended. This procedure removes the fatty deposits from the artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain.


• Carotid artery stenting: In this minimally invasive procedure, a small mesh tube (stent) is placed inside the carotid artery to keep it open and prevent blockages that could cause a stroke.