A mini-stroke, also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), happens when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked. Symptoms may disappear within minutes or hours, but a TIA is a warning sign because it can increase the risk of a full stroke.
5 critical warning signs of a mini-stroke
- Sudden weakness or numbness
- Especially on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
- A person may have trouble lifting one arm or notice facial drooping.
- Sudden trouble speaking or understanding
- Slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or confusion during conversation.
- Sudden vision changes
- Blurred vision, loss of vision in one eye, or double vision.
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- Trouble walking, poor coordination, or feeling unusually unsteady.
- Sudden severe headache
- Especially if it is unusual, intense, or occurs with other neurological symptoms.
Remember FAST
- F — Face: Is one side of the face drooping?
- A — Arms: Can both arms be raised normally?
- S — Speech: Is speech strange or unclear?
- T — Time: Call emergency services immediately if these signs appear.
Important:
Even if symptoms disappear, a TIA still needs urgent medical evaluation. Doctors may be able to identify and treat causes such as blood pressure problems, irregular heart rhythms, or narrowed arteries to reduce future stroke risk.
If someone is having these symptoms right now, treat it as an emergency and seek immediate medical help.
