A mini-stroke, also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), happens when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily reduced. Symptoms can disappear within minutes or hours, but a TIA is still a warning sign of a possible future stroke and needs 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.
- Sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Slurred speech, confusion, or difficulty finding words.
- Sudden vision changes
- Blurred vision, loss of vision in one eye, or double vision.
- Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking
- Especially if it appears unexpectedly.
- Sudden severe headache or unusual neurological symptoms
- A new, intense headache or sudden changes in coordination can be concerning.
A helpful way to remember stroke warning signs is FAST:
- F — Face: Is one side drooping?
- A — Arms: Is one arm weak or numb?
- S — Speech: Is speech strange or difficult?
- T — Time: Call emergency services immediately if these occur.
Even if symptoms go away, a person should still be evaluated urgently because a TIA can precede a major stroke. If you’re asking about someone who is having symptoms right now, tell me what is happening and when it started.
