A transient ischemic attack is best described as...

• A. Temporary, stroke-like symptoms with similar treatment to a stroke; call EMS.
• B. Permanent memory loss.
• C. Hearing loss.
• D. Chronic fatigue.

Answer: (D)

TIAs are brief episodes of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary interruption of blood flow to part of the brain, spinal cord, or retina. They produce stroke-like symptoms—such as sudden weakness or numbness on one side, speech difficulties, vision changes, or facial droop—that completely resolve within minutes to a few hours. Because TIAs indicate that stroke could occur soon, they require urgent evaluation and treatment just like a real stroke, so you should call emergency services right away. The other options don’t fit because TIAs don’t cause permanent memory loss, hearing loss isn’t the typical presentation, and chronic fatigue isn’t the defining feature.