Mini Stroke Symptoms: What to Know About a Warning Stroke
Jake Newby
| 2 min read
Jake Newby is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue...
Key Takeaways
- A mini stroke is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, usually caused by a blood clot.
- Symptoms of a mini stroke may look like those of a regular stroke, but they typically go away within minutes or hours.
- Mini stroke symptoms tend to begin suddenly and can include numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, dizziness and sudden changes in vision.
- Since some symptoms of a mini stroke and stroke overlap, it’s impossible to know which one is happening in real time. Call 911 if you experience sudden stroke-like symptoms.
A mini stroke – also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or warning stroke – happens when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked.
Mini stroke symptoms can resemble those of a regular stroke but typically go away within minutes or hours. Even when those symptoms disappear, a mini stroke is a serious warning sign that a larger stroke could follow.
What is a mini stroke?
A mini stroke is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, usually caused by a blood clot. Unlike an ischemic stroke, the blockage is temporary and does not typically cause permanent brain damage, per the Mayo Clinic. However, a TIA should not be considered harmless.
A person who experiences TIA symptoms may be at increased risk for a second stroke in the future, according to the American Stroke Association (ASA). The Mayo Clinic states that about 1 in 3 people who have TIAs goes on to have a stroke.
What are common mini stroke symptoms?
Mini stroke symptoms usually begin suddenly. According to the ASA, they include:
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, particularly on one side of the body
- Trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes
- Dizziness, loss of balance or difficulty walking
- A sudden, severe headache with no known cause
These symptoms can disappear quickly, but that does not mean the underlying risk has disappeared. The ASA recommends knowing the “B.E. F.A.S.T.” acronym to remember the warning signs:
- Balance loss
- Eye or vision changes
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Time to call 911
How do you know if you've had a mini stroke?
Because some symptoms of a TIA and stroke overlap, it’s not possible to know at home which one is happening in real time. If you experience sudden stroke-like symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Your primary care provider may evaluate your medical history, perform neurological and physical exams, conduct blood tests and use imaging such as a CT scan or MRI. Other tests may help identify heart conditions or blood-vessel problems that could have contributed to the TIA.
Mini stroke vs. regular stroke
| Mini Stroke (TIA) | Stroke | |
| Blood Flow | Temporarily blocked | Blocked or a blood vessel ruptures |
| Symptoms | Stroke-like symptoms that may resolve | Symptoms may persist and cause lasting damage |
| Brain Damage | Typically no permanent damage | Can cause permanent brain injury |
| Medical Response | Emergency evaluation is still needed | Immediate emergency treatment is critical |
Why a mini stroke should not be ignored
Since a TIA can be a warning that a more serious stroke is coming, prompt medical evaluation is key in identifying and addressing these risk factors:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- Smoking
Treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes or other interventions depending on the cause. If you experience any of the “B.E. F.A.S.T” symptoms, do not wait to see if they improve – call 911 immediately.
Photo credit: Getty Images
