What Are the 5 Warning Signs of a Mini Stroke?

Introduction 

Mini strokes can occur and resolve in the short period of time TIAs last without damaging the brain. Symptoms lasting longer than 24 hours, and of a Transient ischemic attacks don’t tend to lead to permanent brain damage, but do mean the individual in question is likely to sustain a full stroke in the near future.

Ignoring the symptoms of a stroke and a ministroke can lead to permanent injury, or damage and death. This is the stronger reason to advocate for immediate medical care for warning signs if they occur.

What Are the Early Signs and Symptoms of a Mini Stroke?

These are the 5 warning signs of a mini stroke you should not ignore.

One-Sided Weakness or Numbness

• Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including the face, arm, or leg, is a common warning sign of a ministroke.
• You may see a face droop, or you may be unable to lift one arm or feel like one of your limbs is very heavy.
• These symptoms happen because the brain briefly loses blood flow to the area that is controlling those muscles.
• Even if the weakness fades after a few minutes, it is a medical emergency because it could mean a larger stroke is on the way.

Speech Changes or Difficulty Talking

• Another primary sign of a ministroke is trouble speaking.
• You may notice that you are slurring your words, or you may be having trouble finding the right words. You may also have people around you saying that you are not making sense.
• Other times people will be able to hear speech clearly, but will not be able to understand it. This occurs when blood flow is blocked to the brain’s language center.
• Do not ignore sudden speech problems, even if they pass in a few minutes.

Confusion or Difficulty Thinking Clearly

• A ministroke affects cognitive functions, and result in sudden confusion and difficulty understanding what is going on.
• You may overlook minor details, lose your bearings, or struggle to follow along with conversations or directions.
• These symptoms tend to appear suddenly and demand attention.
• Even if these symptoms seem minor, or fleeting, confusion could indicate a temporary loss of oxygen to some vital parts of the brain.

Vision Changes

• During a mini stroke, many people report experiencing sudden vision loss or blurriness in one or both of the eyes.
• Some people report the experience of a curtain being drawn over part of their vision.
• Others report having double vision, tunnel vision, and partial blindness.
• TIAs affect different parts of the brain, and vision issues vary accordingly.
• Any visual disturbance that occurs suddenly, in any form or combination, requires emergent medical attention.

Dizziness or Loss of Balance

• A transient ischemic attack can cause sudden dizziness, instability, difficulty walking, and in some cases, a spinning sensation or problems with coordination of movement.
• These symptoms occur when the brainstem and cerebellum, the parts of the brain that control balance, have short episodes of oxygen deprivation.
• When dizziness occurs along with other associated stroke symptoms, like vision changes and slurred speech, you should call for medical assistance immediately.

Headache

• While rare, some people do report a sudden and intense headache during a ministroke.
• This kind of pain can occur suddenly and seem like it has no explanation.
• If it occurs without TIA symptoms, a headache often will not indicate a ministroke. However, combined with other symptoms, it can indicate reduced blood flow in the brain.

What Causes Mini strokes (Transient Ischemic Attacks)?

During a ministroke, a small blood clot prevents blood flow for a while and then breaks up, so blood can flow normally again, and the symptoms will go away. 

Some common risk factors include: 

• Atherosclerosis (narrowed arteries)
• High blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle

A ministroke is often a precursor to a more serious stroke, so it’s critical to address any underlying health conditions. 

What Should You Do If You Think You’re Having a Mini Stroke?

• If a mini stroke is suspected, get to the emergency room immediately, even if the symptoms go away in a few minutes.
• Emergency services may be contacted, or you may go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.

In the early stage a doctor will likely order:

• Brain imaging with a CT or MRI to evaluate for clots and blockages
• Blood tests focused on cholesterol, glucose, and clotting
• Ultrasound of the carotid arteries and heart for additional underlying causes

Initial management with the aim of secondary prevention of strokes will involve the use of blood thinners, and blood pressure and cholesterol medication. 

The Bottom Line

Do not ignore a mini stroke. It is a serious warning sign. A mini stroke is a serious warning sign. Even if the symptoms disappear, there is a great chance of a major stroke occurring in the following days or weeks. 

The symptoms of weakness, confusion, vision changes, and dizziness may signal a stroke, and recognizing them early may save your life or a loved one’s. 

If you experience these symptoms, you must act inefficiently:

• F – drooping of the face
• A – weakness of an arm
• S – difficulty in speech
• T – time to call for emergency services

Your quick response may save a life.