fullcortex.net

( 1998 )

-Is there any connection between TIAs and aortic aneurysms?-

TIA stands for transient ischemic attack and is sometimes also referred to as a “mini stroke.” TIAs most often occur when small pieces of atherosclerotic plaque or blood clot break off from an artery and go to the brain. When they lodge in an area of the brain, they may cause transient symptoms including fleeting episodes of blindness, trouble speaking, weakness in a limb or numbness. Such transient symptoms should be considered possible warning signs of a subsequent stroke (that may cause more serious damage) and hence warrant immediate medical attention.

An aortic aneurysm is a bulging of the aorta (the major blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body) due to a weakness in the vessel wall. (See view of normal aorta and aortic aneurysm below.)

Aortic aneurysms are most often a result of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis may occur in multiple sites, so when a person has atherosclerosis affecting the aorta, they may also have atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries (main vessels to the head) which may be the cause of TIAs. An aortic aneurysm occurring in the aorta near the heart (before the origin of the carotid arteries) also can be a source of material that can break off and go to the brain causing TIAs.