Which term describes a stroke due to temporary loss of blood flow with no lasting damage?

• A. TIA
• B. CVA
• C. Hemorrhagic Stroke
• D. Seizure

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is distinguishing a transient ischemic event from a true stroke. A transient ischemic attack is a brief period of neurologic dysfunction caused by temporary reduction in blood flow to a brain region, with symptoms that fully resolve and no acute infarct on imaging. Because there is no lasting tissue damage, it is not considered a completed stroke. In contrast, a cerebrovascular accident implies stroke with tissue injury, either from ischemia with infarction or from bleeding. A hemorrhagic stroke specifically involves bleeding into brain tissue, causing damage and typically lasting deficits. Seizures produce abnormal brain electrical activity; while postictal deficits can mimic stroke, they arise from a different mechanism and are not defined by a temporary loss of cerebral blood flow with no lasting damage. Therefore, transient ischemic attack is the best description for a stroke-like episode that resolves without lasting harm.