Mini-Strokes Often Go Unnoticed: 9 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is often called a “mini-stroke,” but a better term is warning stroke. Its symptoms can be temporary and may disappear within minutes, but a TIA can signal a risk of a more serious stroke.
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www.stroke.org
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Watch for sudden:
Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side.
Facial drooping or an uneven smile.
Slurred or unusual speech.
Difficulty understanding speech or suddenly becoming confused.
Vision changes, including blurred, double, or lost vision.
Loss of balance or coordination.
Sudden dizziness or difficulty walking.
A severe headache with no known cause.
Sudden difficulty performing a familiar task because of a new neurological problem, such as weakness, coordination problems, or confusion.
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www.stroke.org
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Don’t wait for symptoms to disappear
TIA and stroke can have the same initial symptoms, and you cannot reliably tell at home which one is happening. If any of these symptoms occur suddenly—even if they disappear—seek emergency medical care immediately and note when the symptoms began.
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www.stroke.org
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A useful memory aid is B.E. F.A.S.T.: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time to seek emergency help.
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www.stroke.org
If someone is experiencing these symptoms right now, don’t drive them yourself or wait for a routine appointment—contact your local emergency medical service immediately.
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