What causes Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

A TIA results from a temporary blockage of the blood supply to the brain. The carotid artery in the front of the neck is a major supply of blood to the brain. A build-up of plaque and hardening of this artery can slow or stop blood flow.

Reasons for the blockage may include:

• A blood clot or a piece of plaque (called an embolus) from inside the wall of an artery breaks off and blocks blood flow to a portion of the brain.
• A blood clot dislodges from the heart and moves to the brain.
• Temporary low blood pressure in the brain may occur due to narrowed arteries in the neck.
• Blood and blood-clotting disorders such as:
  • Anemia (too few red blood cells)
  • Polycythemia (too many red blood cells)
  • Hyperviscosity (abnormal thickening of the blood)
• Vasculitis or blood vessel inflammation
• Endocarditis (infection of the lining of the heart)