Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), also known as mini-strokes, may have long-term consequences if left untreated, according to a recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Association. TIAs are temporary episodes of reduced blood flow to the brain, often caused by a blood clot or other particles in the blood vessel.
While symptoms of a TIA typically resolve within an hour, research suggests that even slight attacks can result in long-term cognitive impairment. A large epidemiological study analyzed data from over 30,000 participants aged 45 and found that those who experienced TIAs had a similar rate of cognitive decline as those who suffered strokes.
“Over five years, study participants’ performance on cognitive tests after a TIA drops as steeply as it does among victims of a full-on stroke,” said Dr. Victor Del Bene, lead author of the study. He also noted that people who had experienced TIAs were cognitively better off than those who had suffered strokes, but both groups were experiencing cognitive decline at equally steep rates.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of recognizing the warning signs of a TIA and seeking emergency care promptly. The acronym BE FAST can help identify potential symptoms: balance loss, eyesight changes, facial drooping, arm weakness, speech problems, and time-sensitive action.
Experts emphasize that TIAs are not just temporary episodes but may set people on a different cognitive slope later in life, potentially leading to dementia or mild cognitive impairment. As the American Heart Association notes, the chances of having a stroke within 90 days following a TIA are as high as 20 percent, with nearly half occurring within two days.
Source: https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2025/may/28/tias-may-have-long-term-consequences-if-ignored