5 Warning Signs of a TIA in Older Adults You Should Never Ignore

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is sometimes called a “mini-stroke.” It happens when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily interrupted. The symptoms may disappear within minutes or hours, but a TIA is still a medical emergency because it can be a warning of a future stroke.

5 important warning signs

1. Sudden weakness or numbness

   • Especially affecting the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body.

2. Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding

   • Speech may become slurred, words may come out incorrectly, or the person may suddenly struggle to understand others.

3. Sudden vision problems

   • Temporary loss of vision, double vision, or significant blurring in one or both eyes.

4. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance

   • New difficulty walking, coordination problems, or unexplained severe dizziness can sometimes be neurological warning signs.

5. Sudden confusion or trouble performing familiar tasks

   • An abrupt change in awareness, orientation, or ability to communicate can be concerning.

🚨 Don’t wait for symptoms to disappear

A TIA and stroke can initially look very similar. If these symptoms occur suddenly, seek emergency medical attention immediately—even if the person feels completely normal again.

Remember FAST:

• F — Face: Does one side droop when smiling?

• A — Arms: Can both arms be raised and kept up?

• S — Speech: Is speech slurred or unusual?

• T — Time: Get emergency help immediately.

Also note the exact time symptoms began, or the last time the person was known to be well. This information can be important for treatment decisions.

A TIA is not something to monitor at home or treat with food, vitamins, or supplements. Prompt medical assessment can identify causes and help reduce the risk of a subsequent stroke.