The difference between a mini-stroke and a real stroke is mostly a matter of time. The problem is blocked blood flow to part of the brain, commonly caused by a blood clot or arteriosclerotic plaque in an artery that leads to the brain.
Blood carries oxygen throughout the body.
Medical authorities believe TIAs are temporary because they're caused by smaller blood clots that eventually pass on, alleviating the blockage. But that doesn't mean TIAs are not serious. For this reason, the American Heart Association recently issued new guidelines for the management of TIAs. These guidelines are designed to help reduce the risk of a complete stroke among people who have had mini-strokes. The AHA advises physicians to treat a person who has had a TIA with blood-thinning medications that help prevent clots.