5 Signs of a Mini Stroke in Older AdultsA mini stroke, medically called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked. Symptoms may disappear within minutes or hours, but a TIA is a serious warning sign because it can increase the risk of a major stroke.
Five important signs include:
- 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.
- Trouble speaking or understanding words
- Slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or confusion during a conversation.
- Sudden vision changes
- Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or difficulty walking
- Sudden unsteadiness, coordination problems, or unexplained falls.
- Sudden severe headache
- A new, unusual headache, especially if it occurs with other neurological symptoms.
Remember FAST
- F – Face: Does one side of the face droop?
- A – Arms: Is one arm weak or numb?
- S – Speech: Is speech unclear or unusual?
- T – Time: Seek emergency medical help immediately.
Even if symptoms disappear, a TIA should be evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Early assessment can help identify causes—such as high blood pressure, cholesterol problems, irregular heart rhythms, or narrowed arteries—and reduce the risk of a future stroke.
