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Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Definition

A neurological event with the signs and symptoms of a stroke, but which go away within a short period of time. It is caused by a temporary lack of adequate blood and oxygen (ischemia) to the brain, which is often due to the narrowing (or, less often, ulceration) of the carotid arteries (the major arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain).

Also called a mini-stroke.