A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is an acute episode of temporary neurologic dysfunction that results from focal

cerebral, spinal cord, or retinal ischemia, and is not associated with acute tissue infarction. The clinical
symptoms of TIA typically last less than 1 hour and often last for less than 30 minutes, but prolonged episodes
can occur.
(Albers GW, Caplan LR, Easton JD, Fayad PB, Mohr JP, Saver JL, et al. Transient ischemic attack--proposal
for a new definition. N Engl J Med. Nov 21 2002;347(21):1713-6)
Whereas the classical definition of TIA included symptoms lasting as long as 24 hours, advances in
neuroimaging have suggested that many such cases represent minor strokes with resolved symptoms rather
than true TIAs. Thus, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Stroke Association (ASA)
endorse a tissue-based definition of TIA (ie, as an episode of focal ischemia rather than acute infarction) rather
than a time-based definition.
(Easton JD, Saver JL, Albers GW, Alberts MJ, Chaturvedi S, Feldmann E, et al. Definition and evaluation of
transient ischemic attack: a scientific statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart
Association/American Stroke Association Stroke Council; Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia;
Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; and the
Interdisciplinary Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease. The American Academy of Neurology affirms the
value of this statement as an educational tool for neurologists. Stroke. Jun 2009;40(6):2276-93 )

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a stroke that comes and goes quickly. It happens when the blood
supply to part of the brain stops briefly. Symptoms of a TIA are like other stroke symptoms, but do not last
as long. They happen suddenly, and include

Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body

Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech

Trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Loss of balance or coordination

Most symptoms of a TIA disappear within an hour, although they may last for up to 24 hours. Because
you cannot tell if these symptoms are from a TIA or a stroke, you should get to the hospital quickly.
TIAs are often a warning sign for future strokes. Taking medicine, such as blood thinners, may reduce
your risk of a stroke. Your doctor might also recommend surgery.
(NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke,

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/transientischemicattack.html )