Symptoms of a Mini-Stroke: An Introduction
A
mini-stroke (also known as a
transient ischemic attack or
TIA) is a condition that results from a temporary lack of blood flow to a specific part of the brain. It differs from a
stroke because of its duration. Mini-
stroke symptoms typically last only a few minutes; in most cases, symptoms go away within 30 minutes, but can last for up to 24 hours. By definition, stroke symptoms last for at least 24 hours.
Specific Mini-Stroke Symptoms
The symptoms of a
mini-stroke are distinct because they strike quickly. However, the specific symptoms will vary based on which part of the brain is affected. Symptoms of a mini-stroke can include a sudden appearance of:
- Confusion
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, such as double vision, blurred vision, or blindness
- Trouble walking or dizziness
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Severe headache with no known cause
- Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body).
Other mini-stroke symptoms that are less common but still important include:
- Sudden nausea
- Vomiting
- Brief loss of consciousness (such as fainting).
Responding Quickly to Symptoms of a Mini-Stroke
If you believe someone is having a mini-stroke -- if he or she suddenly loses the ability to speak, cannot move an arm or leg on one side, or experiences facial paralysis on one side -- call 911 immediately. Do not wait for the mini-stroke symptoms to worsen or improve. It is impossible for you to know whether these symptoms are the result of a mini-stroke or stroke.
It's important to be able to recognize the symptoms of a mini-stroke or stroke. Often, a mini-stroke is a warning sign that a person is at high risk for a serious stroke. In fact, one-third of people who have a mini-stroke will go on to have a stroke within five years; however, treatment can significantly reduce this risk.
