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Health condition

TIA (mini-stroke)

A TIA causes stroke symptoms that resolve completely - but it is not a near-miss to be relieved about; it is an unstable warning, with the highest risk of full stroke in the hours and days that follow.

Why trust this guide

  • 01

    Editorial team

    Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.

  • 02

    Sourced from guidance

    Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.

  • 03

    Current for 2026

    Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.

Key facts

The essentials at a glance.

The symptoms to recognise, when to seek help, which specialist to see, and what treatment usually involves.

  • Same symptoms as stroke - face, arm, speech, vision - resolving usually within minutes to an hour

  • The risk of a full stroke is highest in the first 48 hours after a TIA

  • Urgent same-day specialist assessment, imaging and immediate aspirin are standard care

  • Treatment of blood pressure, cholesterol, atrial fibrillation and carotid narrowing prevents stroke

Understanding the condition

What it is and what happens next.

What causes it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment routes available in the UK.

What it is and how it feels

A transient ischaemic attack occurs when a brain artery is briefly blocked: one side of the face or an arm weakens, speech fails, or vision is lost in one eye, then everything returns to normal - which is exactly what makes TIAs dangerous, because reassurance replaces urgency while the underlying cause remains untreated.

Diagnosis and treatment routes

Finding and fixing the cause - carotid narrowing, atrial fibrillation, blood pressure - is what stops the completed stroke that so often follows. These symptoms are a medical emergency: call 999 straight away rather than waiting for any referral, because treatment is time-critical and every minute matters.

Seeing a specialist

Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.

The specialist for this condition is usually a consultant neurologist. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.

A quiet reminder

This guide is for information, not medical advice.

Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any of the emergency symptoms described above.

Frequently asked

Common questions about TIA (mini-stroke).

Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.

  • Can you explain what TIA (mini-stroke) is?

  • What causes TIA (mini-stroke)?

  • What does TIA (mini-stroke) look like or feel like?

  • How worried should I be about TIA (mini-stroke)?

  • Is TIA (mini-stroke) something that runs in families?

    In most cases this isn't primarily hereditary, though family history and shared lifestyle or environmental factors can sometimes play a role in overall risk. If you're concerned about a family pattern, mention it to your doctor so they can consider it in your assessment.

  • Is there a cure for TIA (mini-stroke)?

    Many cases can be effectively treated or managed, and prevention strategies exist for some causes, though this depends on the specific underlying reason in your case. Your clinician can explain what's realistic for you.

  • How is TIA (mini-stroke) treated?

    Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and severity, and can range from simple lifestyle or self-management measures to medical or specialist intervention.

  • What is the long-term outlook for TIA (mini-stroke)?

    This varies depending on the underlying cause, how early it's identified, and how well it responds to treatment — your clinician can give a more specific expectation once assessed.

  • When should specialist referral be considered for TIA (mini-stroke)?

    Specialist referral is worth considering if symptoms persist, are getting worse, or aren't responding to initial treatment — your GP can help decide the right pathway and urgency.

  • How quickly should I be seen if I have TIA (mini-stroke)?

    This is something that should be assessed promptly rather than left — ideally within days, not weeks. NHS urgent pathways can vary in speed depending on local services, whereas a private consultant can typically arrange assessment within a few days. If symptoms are severe or worsening, seek same-day medical advice or attend A&E.