A mini-stroke, medically known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked. Symptoms often resolve within minutes to hours, but a TIA is a serious warning sign that a future stroke may occur.
Five symptoms that should never be ignored in older adults include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Especially affecting the face, arm, or leg.
- Facial drooping
- One side of the face may sag or feel numb.
- The person’s smile may appear uneven.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Slurred speech.
- Trouble finding words.
- Difficulty understanding what others are saying.
- Sudden vision changes
- Blurred vision.
- Double vision.
- Temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination problems
- Difficulty walking.
- Unexplained falls.
- Severe unsteadiness.
Other possible symptoms include a sudden severe headache, confusion, or sudden difficulty swallowing.
Act immediately
Even if symptoms disappear quickly, seek emergency medical attention right away. A TIA is a medical emergency because it can be a warning sign of an impending stroke.
A useful screening tool is FAST:
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call emergency services
Prompt evaluation can help identify the cause and reduce the risk of a future stroke. If you or someone else is currently experiencing these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.
