Early Signs of a Mini-Stroke (TIA) You Need to Know

ByEditorial Staff

What Is a Mini-Stroke? A mini-stroke, also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a warning. A mini-stroke happens when the blood flow to part of the brain is briefly blocked. Unlike a major stroke, a TIA doesn’t cause permanent damage. Most symptoms last only a few minutes—sometimes up to an hour—but they should be taken seriously.1

A TIA and a stroke feel almost the same. The only real difference is that in a TIA, the blockage clears up on its own. But don’t be fooled. The symptoms may go away quickly, but the danger is real. A TIA means you’re at higher risk of a full-blown stroke in the near future.2

The symptoms of a mini-stroke might disappear fast, but they’re a clear sign your brain is at risk. In fact, up to 2 in 5 people who have a TIA will go on to have a full stroke within 90 days. And about half of those strokes happen within the first two days.3

That’s why it’s critical to treat a TIA as an emergency. In this article, we’ll look at the early signs of a mini-stroke and why you should never ignore them.

1. Sudden Numbness or Weakness

One of the most common signs of a mini-stroke is sudden numbness or weakness—usually on one side of the body. You may notice it in your face, arm, or leg. For example, one side of your face might droop. Or you might not be able to lift one arm evenly.4

This weakness often appears without warning and disappears just as quickly. But even if it goes away, get medical help right away.

2. Slurred or Confused Speech

During a mini-stroke, you may suddenly have trouble speaking or understanding others. Your words might come out jumbled or slurred. Or you might struggle to find the right words, even though you know what you want to say.5

Sometimes, it’s a loved one who notices this first. If someone’s speech suddenly sounds off, don’t wait. Call emergency services.

3. Sudden Vision Changes

A TIA can affect your eyes. You might lose vision in one eye—or see double. Sometimes, vision becomes blurry or dim. These changes can be short-lived, but they’re not normal and need medical attention.

If you suddenly can’t see out of one eye, even for a minute, that’s a red flag.

4. Loss of Balance or Coordination

Feeling dizzy or off-balance can be a sign of a mini-stroke. You might have trouble walking in a straight line or feel like the room is spinning. Some people describe it as feeling faint or lightheaded.

This sign is especially important if it comes on suddenly and isn’t related to dehydration or standing up too fast.

5. Sudden, Severe Headache

While less common in TIAs, a sudden, intense headache—especially if it’s different from usual—can signal something serious. If it happens with other stroke-like symptoms, don’t ignore it.

A headache with vision changes, weakness, or confusion is a medical emergency.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

Use the FAST method to check for stroke or mini-stroke symptoms:

  • F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?
  • A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift down?
  • S – Speech: Ask them to repeat a simple phrase. Is speech slurred or strange?
  • T – Time: If you see any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.

Do not wait for the symptoms to go away. Every minute counts.

What Happens Next?

If you’ve had a TIA, your doctor may recommend tests to check your heart, blood vessels, and brain. You might need blood thinners or other medications to prevent future strokes. Lifestyle changes are often part of the treatment plan—such as quitting smoking, controlling blood pressure, or managing diabetes.

If you or someone you love shows any of these signs, don’t wait. Call emergency help right away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

References:

  1. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/transient-ischemic-attack-tia ↩︎
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/transient-ischemic-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20355679 ↩︎
  3. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/tia-transient-ischemic-attack ↩︎
  4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transient-ischaemic-attack-tia/ ↩︎
  5. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/stroke/stroke-signs-causes-and-treatment ↩︎
Editorial Staff

The editorial staff at Mayor Boss is a team of expert writers who are passionate about health and wellness. They are dedicated to creating well-researched, highly detailed content that is easy to read and trustworthy. You can count on them to provide you with authentic and up-to-date information.