A mini stroke, medically called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a temporary interruption of blood flow to part of the brain. Symptoms usually resolve within minutes to hours, but a TIA is a medical emergency because it can be a warning sign that a full stroke may occur soon.
Five important warning signs
Common symptoms of a TIA in older adults include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness
- Especially on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Slurred speech, trouble finding words, or confusion.
- Sudden vision changes
- Blurred vision, double vision, or temporary vision loss in one or both eyes.
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Dizziness, difficulty walking, or unexplained falls.
- Sudden severe headache
- Less common in a TIA but can occur, especially if accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
Act FAST
A helpful way to recognize stroke symptoms is the FAST acronym:
- Face: One side of the face droops.
- Arms: One arm is weak or drifts downward.
- Speech: Speech is slurred or difficult.
- Time: Call your local emergency services immediately.
Even if the symptoms disappear, do not wait. A TIA requires urgent evaluation because the risk of a major stroke is highest in the first hours to days afterward.
Other possible symptoms
A TIA can also cause:
- Sudden confusion
- Numbness or tingling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sudden trouble with coordination
Risk factors
Older adults are at higher risk, particularly if they have:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Smoking history
- atrial fibrillation
- Previous TIA or stroke
