A mini-stroke (TIA) is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. Its symptoms can disappear within minutes or hours, but it is a medical emergency because it can be a warning sign of a major stroke.
5 signs of a mini-stroke in an older adult
Sudden weakness or numbness — especially on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
Sudden trouble speaking — slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or difficulty understanding others.
Sudden vision changes — blurred, double, or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
Sudden dizziness or loss of balance — difficulty walking, coordination problems, or unexplained falls.
Sudden severe headache or confusion — particularly if it is unusual or accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
Important: You cannot reliably tell a TIA from a full stroke at home. If any of these symptoms are happening now, call emergency medical services immediately—even if the symptoms have already gone away. Don’t wait for them to return.
