10 Causes of Lightheadedness

By dr. mera

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6. Strokes and Transient Ischemic Attacks

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a “mini-stroke” is an episode of neurological symptoms, that is caused by a temporary cessation or reduction in the blood flow to a part of the brain. Usually, since blood flow is reestablished briefly on its own, symptoms only last a short time (<24 hours). Theoretically, in TIAs there is no permanent tissue damage that can cause disabilities. On the other hand, strokes involve a longer duration of blood flow obstruction, and they are associated with the death of the affected tissue and permanent damage. Hence, stroke symptoms can be severe and have a longer duration (>24 hours).

Importantly stokes are usually caused by a blood clot that blocks an artery that leads to the brain (ischemic stroke) or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and damages surrounding cells (hemorrhagic stroke). Conversely, TIAs begin just like an ischemic stroke but resolve promptly. Both TIAs and strokes can cause lightheadedness, along with alterations in speech, behavior, vision, memory, and movement. This happens because without oxygen the affected part of the brain starts to die and the functions controlled by its brain cells become impaired.