Platelets clump around the area of injury as a normal part of the clotting and healing process. Cholesterol and other fats also collect at this site, forming a mass within the lining of the artery. Pieces of plaque or clots may break off and travel through the bloodstream from distant locations, forming an embolus that can occlude the small arteries, causing TIAs. Occlusions that last for more than a few minutes more commonly cause stroke. Symptoms may occur again at a later time.
Symptoms usually occur on the same side of the body if more than one body part is involved.
A detailed and complete history is vital to the diagnosis, because the specific deficits demonstrated correspond well with the specific lesion or affected area of the brain. For example, involvement of one arm or leg may indicate damage to one brain artery, while involvement of both legs or arms may indicate damage to a different artery. Physical examination may include neurologic examination, which may be abnormal during an episode but normal after the episode has passed. The eyes may be examined, including a check of the pressures within the eye. Blood pressure may be high.