What is the medical term for a brief episode of stroke-like symptoms due to a temporary blockage?

• A. CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident)
• B. TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
• C. Arrhythmia
• D. EKG (Electrocardiogram)

Answer: (B)

A brief episode of stroke-like symptoms caused by a temporary blockage is a transient ischemic attack. The word “transient” signals that the symptoms are short-lived, while “ischemic” points to reduced blood flow to a part of the brain. Because the blockage is temporary, brain function typically returns to normal and there is no lasting damage, which distinguishes TIAs from a full stroke.

Think of it as a warning sign: TIAs mimic a stroke but don’t cause permanent injury, whereas a cerebrovascular accident is a true stroke with lasting deficits. An arrhythmia is simply an abnormal heart rhythm, not this brain event, and an electrocardiogram is a test to measure heart activity, not the episode itself.