A brief period of stroke-like symptoms that lasts only minutes and causes no permanent damage.

A transient ischemic attack is similar to a stroke but usually lasts only minutes and causes no permanent damage. It may be a warning sign of a future stroke. A transient ischemic attack also is called a ministroke.

Symptoms include weakness on one side of the body, changes in vision, loss of balance and slurred speech. Most symptoms go away within an hour, but some can last up to 24 hours.

Treatment includes healthy lifestyle changes, medicine and surgery.