A “mini-stroke” usually means a transient ischemic attack (TIA). The symptoms can disappear within minutes or hours, but a TIA is
a medical emergency and a warning sign of a possible major stroke. CDC+1
5 warning signs
- Sudden weakness or numbness — particularly on one side of the face, arm, or leg.
- Sudden speech problems — slurred speech, difficulty finding words, or difficulty understanding someone.
- Sudden vision changes — blurred or double vision, or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance — difficulty walking, coordination problems, or unexplained falling.
- Sudden severe headache — especially a severe headache without an obvious cause. CDC+1
Remember FAST
F — Face: Does one side droop?
A — Arms: Can both arms be raised normally?
S — Speech: Is speech slurred or unusual?
T — Time: Get emergency medical help immediately.
Even if the symptoms completely disappear, don’t simply wait and see. At the beginning, it isn’t possible to reliably distinguish a TIA from a stroke, and urgent assessment can reduce the risk of a subsequent major stroke. nhs.uk+1
If these symptoms are happening right now, seek emergency medical care immediately rather than waiting for an appointment.
