transient ischemic attack

noun

: a brief episode of cerebral ischemia that is usually characterized by temporary blurring of vision, slurring of speech, numbness, paralysis, or syncope and is often predictive of a serious stroke

—abbreviation TIA

called also ministroke

Examples of transient ischemic attack in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Any of the warning signs may last only a few moments and then disappear, which could mean the person is having a minor stroke or a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 1 May 2023

Earlier this year, she was hospitalized after suffering a mini-stroke called transient ischemic attack (or TIA). —Anna Lazarus Caplan, Peoplemag, 29 Nov. 2022

Dad’s transient ischemic attack in July 2020 left him with slurred speech and unable to walk, feed, bathe, or go to the bathroom independently. —Carmen Cusido, refinery29.com, 20 June 2022

Sometimes, blood is blocked for only a short time -- usually five minutes at most -- and that is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a mini-stroke. —Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 17 May 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

transient ischemic attack

noun

: a brief episode of cerebral ischemia that is usually characterized by temporary blurring of vision, slurring of speech, numbness, paralysis, or syncope and that is often predictive of a serious stroke

—abbreviation TIA

called also little stroke, ministroke