5 Signs of a “Mini-Stroke” in Older Adults

A mini-stroke is usually called a transient ischemic attack (TIA). It can cause the same symptoms as a stroke, but they may disappear after minutes or hours. Even if the symptoms completely disappear, a TIA is a medical emergency and needs urgent assessment. (www.stroke.org)

🚨 Five important warning signs

1. Sudden weakness or numbness — especially on one side of the face, arm or leg.
2. Sudden trouble speaking or understanding — speech may become slurred or confusing.
3. Sudden vision problems — blurred, double, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
4. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance/coordination — difficulty walking can occur.
5. Sudden severe headache with no obvious cause. (www.stroke.org)

Remember B.E. F.A.S.T.

B — Balance loss
E — Eye/vision changes
F — Face drooping
A — Arm weakness
S — Speech difficulty
T — Time to call emergency services (www.stroke.org)

Don’t wait for it to go away

One of the biggest mistakes is thinking, “It stopped, so everything is fine.” A TIA can be a warning that a major stroke may follow. The American Stroke Association recommends emergency evaluation even when the symptoms have resolved. (www.stroke.org)

If these symptoms are happening right now, call your local emergency service immediately and note the time the symptoms began. Don’t drive the person yourself if emergency transport is available. (www.stroke.org)

Bottom line: A TIA isn’t something to monitor at home. Sudden neurological symptoms—especially weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty, vision changes or loss of balance—should be treated as a stroke emergency until doctors determine otherwise.