5 Signs of a Mini Stroke (TIA) in Older Adults
A mini stroke, medically called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), happens when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily reduced or blocked. Symptoms may last only a few minutes or hours and then disappear, but a TIA can be a warning sign of a possible future stroke and should be treated as an emergency.
1. Sudden weakness or numbness on one side
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the:
- Face
- Arm
- Leg
- Often affects only one side of the body.
2. Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Slurred words
- Difficulty finding the right words
- Trouble understanding what others are saying
3. Sudden vision changes
- Blurred vision
- Loss of vision in one eye
- Double vision
4. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- Feeling unsteady
- Trouble walking
- Loss of coordination
5. Sudden confusion or severe headache
- Unexpected confusion or difficulty thinking clearly
- A sudden, unusual, severe headache (especially if it is different from previous headaches)
Remember FAST
- F — Face drooping
- A — Arm weakness
- S — Speech difficulty
- T — Time to call emergency services
Even if symptoms disappear, medical evaluation is important. A TIA may indicate that a blood vessel problem is developing and that steps are needed to reduce the risk of a major stroke
