This is the most common symptom. It can affect the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body.

What to look for:

• A drooping face (especially on one side)

• Difficulty raising one arm

• Feeling of heaviness or numbness in the arm or leg

• Difficulty holding objects

What it means: Blood flow to one side of the brain is temporarily blocked, affecting movement and feeling on the opposite side of the body.

2. Sudden Confusion or Difficulty Speaking

Your loved one might have trouble understanding what you're saying or expressing their own thoughts.

What to look for:

• Slurred or garbled speech

• Difficulty finding the right words

• Inability to understand simple questions

• Sudden confusion about time, place, or people

What it means: The TIA is affecting the language center of the brain.

3. Sudden Vision Changes

Vision changes during a TIA can be dramatic—and temporary.

What to look for:

• Sudden blurred or double vision

• Loss of vision in one eye

• Tunnel vision

• Seeing flashing lights or shadows

What it means: Blood flow to the visual centers of the brain is disrupted.

4. Sudden Dizziness or Loss of Balance

A TIA can affect the parts of the brain that control balance and coordination.

What to look for:

• Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness

• Loss of balance or coordination

• Difficulty walking

• Falling or near-falls

What it means: The TIA is affecting the cerebellum or brainstem, which controls balance and movement.

5. Sudden Severe Headache with No Known Cause

A sudden, severe headache—especially one that comes with other symptoms—can be a sign of a TIA or stroke.

What to look for:

• Sudden, severe headache with no obvious cause

• Headache that comes on quickly

• Headache accompanied by other symptoms (weakness, vision changes, confusion)

What it means: The headache may be a sign of a blood vessel issue in the brain.

The F.A.S.T. Acronym

The most important thing to remember about stroke symptoms is the acronym FAST:

• F – Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?

• A – Arms: Ask them to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• S – Speech: Ask them to say a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or garbled?

• T – Time: If you observe any of these signs, call emergency services immediately.

Why Seniors Are at Higher Risk

Strokes and mini-strokes are more common in seniors for several reasons:

Aging arteries: Blood vessels naturally become less flexible as we age, increasing the risk of blockages.

High blood pressure: Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke and becomes more common with age.

Other health conditions: Diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease all increase stroke risk.

Lifestyle factors: Sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and smoking can all increase risk.

Genetics: Family history of stroke or heart disease can increase risk.

Risk Factors for Mini-Stroke

Several factors can increase the risk of experiencing a TIA or stroke:

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)

• Smoking

• Heavy alcohol use

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Obesity

• Family history of stroke or heart disease

• Age (over 55 for men, over 65 for women)

What to Do If You Notice Symptoms

If you or someone you love shows signs of a TIA or stroke:

1. Call emergency services immediately. Don't wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own.

2. Note the time. When did the symptoms start? This information is important for medical treatment.

3. Don't let them sleep. If the person is sleepy or confused, keep them awake and alert.

4. Don't give them food or water. If they're having trouble swallowing, they could choke.

5. Stay calm and comfort them. Your loved one is likely scared. Stay calm and reassure them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a mini-stroke and a full stroke?
A mini-stroke (TIA) is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. Symptoms resolve on their own within a few minutes to a few hours. A full stroke is a longer interruption that can cause permanent damage.

Can a mini-stroke cause permanent damage?
No, by definition, a TIA does not cause permanent brain damage. But it's a warning sign that a full stroke could occur.

How long do TIA symptoms last?
TIA symptoms usually last only a few minutes to a few hours. They resolve completely on their own. However, any TIA-like symptoms should be evaluated immediately.

Does a TIA require treatment?
Yes. Even though symptoms resolve on their own, a TIA is a medical emergency. You need treatment to reduce the risk of a full stroke.

How can I reduce my risk of stroke?
Manage high blood pressure, control cholesterol, quit smoking, exercise regularly, eat a heart-healthy diet, and manage stress.

How common are mini-strokes in seniors?
TIAs are common in older adults. About 240,000 people in the U.S. experience a TIA each year, and the risk increases with age.

Can a TIA be prevented?
Many TIAs can be prevented by managing risk factors. This includes controlling blood pressure, managing cholesterol, quitting smoking, and staying physically active.

A Final Thought

When my neighbor had her TIA, she was lucky. She recognized something was wrong, she got help, and she made lifestyle changes that reduced her risk of a full stroke.

But not everyone is that lucky.

If you or someone you love experiences sudden weakness, confusion, vision changes, dizziness, or a severe headache with no known cause, don't wait. Don't assume it's "just a senior moment." Don't hope it goes away on its own.

Call emergency services. Get help. A mini-stroke is a warning sign, and it's a warning sign you should never ignore.