A mini stroke, also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), happens when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked. Symptoms usually resolve within minutes to hours, but a TIA is a medical emergency because it can be a warning sign of a future stroke.
5 common signs of a mini stroke
- Sudden weakness or numbness
- Often affects one side of the face, arm, or leg.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Speech may become slurred, or the person may have trouble finding or understanding words.
- Sudden vision changes
- Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Sudden dizziness, trouble walking, or unexplained falls.
- Sudden confusion or severe headache
- Confusion can occur. A sudden severe headache is less common in a TIA but can occur and may suggest another serious condition.
Remember the FAST warning signs
- Face: One side of the face droops.
- Arm: One arm is weak or numb.
- Speech: Speech is slurred or difficult.
- Time: Call emergency services immediately.
Why prompt action matters
Even if symptoms disappear completely, do not ignore them. The risk of a full stroke is highest in the hours and days after a TIA, and early evaluation can greatly reduce that risk.
Risk factors
Older age, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, and an irregular heartbeat such as atrial fibrillation all increase the risk of TIA and stroke.
If someone is experiencing stroke symptoms right now, call your local emergency services immediately rather than waiting to see if the symptoms improve. Early treatment can be lifesaving and may reduce long-term disability.
