What are the signs and symptoms of transient ischemic attacks?

A fellow caregiver asked...

Can you please let me know specifically the signs/symptoms for TIA's? I have had 2xSSH's and 2 x passing out unexpectedly, with no pre-sign. Can you please advise me. I have been unable to find this info. anywhere. I know about stroke, but not TIA's. I appreciate your help.

Expert Answer

James Castle, M.D. is a neurologist at NorthShore University HealthSystem (affiliated with The University of Chicago) and an expert on strokes.

A TIA, by definition, should have the same symptoms as a stroke, only the symptoms resolve within 24 hours. The most common symptoms would be change in speech, change in vision, and weakness or numbness on one side of the face and/or body.

Loss of consciousness would be exceptionally unusual during a TIA, as would sensiro-neural hearing loss (not exactly sure what the SSH stands for). However, as part of the work-up for these symptoms you should ask your doctor if an MRI of the brain and an MRA (MR Angiogram) of the arteries in the back of your head - the vertebral and basilar arteries - would be reasonable to make sure that you aren't having a lack of blood flow to the base of your brain. This would be the only typical circumstance I can think of for a TIA causing hearing loss and/or loss of consciousness.

Good luck!