A mini-stroke can feel like a brief, confusing moment—one minute everything seems normal, and the next you feel weak, off, or unsteady… and then it passes. Known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a mini-stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked. In older adults, it’s often caused by narrowed arteries or a small clot. Because symptoms fade quickly, many dismiss them as fatigue or stress.
However, a TIA is a serious warning that a full stroke could follow if untreated. Symptoms appear suddenly and can vary. Some experience weakness or numbness on one side, such as a drooping face or trouble lifting an arm or leg. Speech may be slurred, and vision problems like blurriness or shadows can occur. Other signs include dizziness, loss of balance, or an unusual headache. Even brief symptoms require urgent attention, as the brain remains at risk.
Certain factors increase risk, especially in seniors. High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can damage vessels, while smoking, inactivity, and poor diet also raise risk. A TIA often serves as an early warning, since many who experience one may have a full stroke within days or weeks if untreated. Prompt medical evaluation is essential.
Doctors may use brain scans, blood tests, and heart monitoring to find the cause and prevent recurrence. Treatment may include medications to reduce clot risk and control blood pressure or cholesterol. Long-term prevention focuses on exercise, healthy diet, stress management, and quitting smoking. Acting quickly after a mini-stroke can reduce stroke risk, protect independence, and save a life.
