A mini-stroke (also called a TIA, or transient ischemic attack) happens when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly blocked. Symptoms may disappear within minutes or hours, but a TIA can be a warning sign of a possible major stroke and needs urgent medical attention.
5 symptoms of a mini-stroke in seniors that shouldn’t be ignored:
- Sudden weakness or numbness
- Especially on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
- Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or confusion.
- Sudden vision changes
- Loss of vision in one or both eyes, blurred vision, or double vision.
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking
- Unexplained coordination problems or feeling like the room is spinning.
- Sudden severe headache
- Especially if it is unusual, comes on quickly, or is accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
A simple way to remember stroke warning signs is FAST:
- F — Face: Is one side of the face drooping?
- A — Arms: Is one arm weak or numb?
- S — Speech: Is speech strange or difficult?
- T — Time: Call emergency services immediately if any of these occur.
Even if symptoms go away, a senior who experiences them should be evaluated urgently because the risk of a larger stroke can be highest soon after a TIA. If symptoms are happening right now, seek emergency medical help immediately.
