A mini stroke, also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), happens when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly blocked. Symptoms can be temporary and may disappear within minutes or hours, but a TIA is still a warning sign of a possible major stroke and needs urgent medical attention.
5 common signs of a mini stroke in older adults:
- Sudden weakness or numbness
- Especially on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
- A person may suddenly drop objects or have trouble lifting one arm.
- Sudden trouble speaking or understanding
- Slurred speech, difficulty finding words, confusion, or trouble understanding others.
- Sudden vision changes
- Blurred vision, loss of vision in one eye, or double vision.
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- Trouble walking, coordination problems, or feeling unusually unsteady.
- Sudden severe headache or unusual neurological symptoms
- A sudden, intense headache (especially if different from usual), confusion, or other sudden changes can be a warning sign.
A helpful way to remember stroke warning signs is FAST:
- F — Face drooping
- A — Arm weakness
- S — Speech difficulty
- T — Time to call emergency services
Even if symptoms disappear, a TIA should be evaluated quickly because the risk of a full stroke can be higher soon afterward. If someone is having these symptoms right now, seek emergency help immediately.
