5 Symptoms of a “Mini-Stroke” in Seniors That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
A mini-stroke is usually called a transient ischemic attack (TIA). It happens when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked. The symptoms can disappear quickly, but a TIA is a medical emergency and warning sign of possible stroke.
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Watch for these sudden symptoms:
Face drooping or numbness — especially on one side.
Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg — particularly on one side of the body.
Trouble speaking or understanding — speech may suddenly become slurred, confused, or difficult.
Sudden vision problems — blurred, double, or lost vision in one or both eyes.
Sudden loss of balance or coordination — dizziness, difficulty walking, or severe unexplained headache can also occur.
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The most important point
Do not wait to see whether the symptoms go away. A TIA and a full stroke can initially look the same, and it isn’t possible to reliably distinguish them at home. If these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical care immediately and note the time they began—even if the person feels completely normal again.
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www.stroke.org
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The easy reminder is B.E. F.A.S.T.: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time to get emergency help.
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www.stroke.org
If this is happening to someone right now, treat it as a stroke emergency rather than waiting for a doctor’s appointment.
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