Transient ischemic attacks are best described as neurological deficits that do what?

• A. Resolve completely within 24 hours
• B. Persist for more than 24 hours
• C. Require hospitalization for several days
• D. Always involve loss of consciousness

Answer: (A)

Transient ischemic attacks are brief episodes of neurologic dysfunction caused by a temporary reduction in blood flow to part of the brain. The defining feature is that all signs completely resolve within 24 hours, because there is no lasting brain tissue damage from the ischemia. This distinguishes TIAs from a true stroke, where deficits persist beyond 24 hours and often reflect an actual infarct. TIAs can present with unilateral weakness, speech disturbance, visual changes, sensory loss, or coordination problems, but consciousness is usually preserved. Even though symptoms are transient, a TIA is a warning sign for possible future stroke, so urgent evaluation and risk-factor management are essential.