Unseen Mini Strokes: Are They Real?

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), commonly known as mini-strokes, are often not recognised by those who experience them. TIAs are caused by a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain, usually due to a blood clot. While the symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke, they are often fleeting and can be easily dismissed as something else. For instance, people may experience weakness or numbness in their face or arm, garbled speech, or vision changes, which they may brush off as a migraine or a sign of ageing. However, it is crucial to recognise these warning signs and seek immediate medical attention, as a TIA significantly increases the risk of having a full-blown stroke in the near future.

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) are often called mini-strokes but this nickname is inaccurate

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) are often called mini-strokes, but this nickname is inaccurate. While TIAs are indeed temporary and short-lived, they are not "mini" and can affect large areas of the brain. The symptoms of TIAs are nearly identical to those of strokes and can include:

• One-sided weakness or paralysis (hemiplegia)
• Slurred or garbled speech (dysarthria)
• Loss of muscle control on one side of the face or facial droop
• Blurred or double vision (diplopia)
• Loss of coordination or clumsiness (ataxia)
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Nausea and vomiting
• Emotional instability and personality changes
• Confusion or agitation
• Memory loss (amnesia)
• Headaches (usually sudden and severe)
• Passing out or fainting

TIAs occur due to a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, often due to a blood clot. The symptoms of a TIA can last anywhere from a few minutes to up to 24 hours. During a TIA, brain cells malfunction and start to die due to a lack of blood flow.

It is critical to recognize the signs of a TIA and seek immediate medical attention, even if the symptoms go away. A TIA is often a warning sign that a more severe stroke could occur in the near future. Up to 20% of people who experience a TIA have a stroke within 90 days, and half of those strokes occur within the first two days after a TIA. Therefore, a TIA is a medical emergency that should not be ignored.

TIAs are a medical emergency and should be treated as seriously as a stroke

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are often incorrectly referred to as "mini-strokes". However, they are just as serious as full-blown strokes and should be treated as a medical emergency. A TIA is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, usually caused by a blood clot, and its effects are not lasting. Nevertheless, it serves as a warning sign that a stroke could occur in the near future—sometimes within minutes, hours, or days. Therefore, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a TIA or stroke, such as balance issues, vision changes, face and arm drooping, and speech difficulties.

The urgency of treating TIAs as a medical emergency stems from the fact that they significantly increase the risk of having a stroke within a short period. Up to 20% of people who experience a TIA go on to have a stroke within 90 days, with half of those strokes occurring within the first two days. As such, a TIA presents a critical opportunity to seek treatment that can prevent a future stroke.

The symptoms of a TIA are nearly identical to those of a stroke and can include:

• One-sided weakness or paralysis (hemiplegia)
• Difficulty with or loss of speaking ability (aphasia)
• Slurred or garbled speech (dysarthria)
• Loss of muscle control on one side of the face or facial drooping
• Sudden loss of senses such as vision, hearing, smell, taste, or touch
• Blurred or double vision (diplopia)
• Loss of coordination or clumsiness (ataxia)
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Nausea and vomiting
• Emotional instability and personality changes
• Confusion or agitation
• Memory loss (amnesia)
• Headaches, especially severe and sudden
• Fainting or loss of consciousness

Given the overlap in symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention to determine whether one is experiencing a TIA or a stroke. While the effects of a TIA may subside, the underlying causes and risk factors that led to the TIA need to be addressed to prevent a future, potentially more severe, stroke.

TIAs are caused by a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain, usually due to a blood clot

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are often referred to as "mini-strokes", but this nickname is misleading as they are just as serious as full strokes. TIAs are caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to the brain, which results in a lack of oxygen to the brain. This disruption is usually caused by a blood clot that has formed elsewhere in the body and travelled to the blood vessels supplying the brain. Other causes include pieces of fatty material or air bubbles blocking the blood vessels.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is the most significant risk factor for TIAs. Other risk factors include tobacco use, atrial fibrillation, a history of stroke or TIA, heart disease, high cholesterol, excess weight or obesity, non-medical drug use, and age.

The symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke and can include:

• One-sided weakness or paralysis (hemiplegia)
• Difficulty with or loss of speaking ability (aphasia)
• Slurred or garbled speech (dysarthria)
• Loss of muscle control on one side of the face or facial droop
• Partial or total loss of one or more senses (vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch)
• Blurred or double vision (diplopia)
• Loss of coordination or clumsiness (ataxia)
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Nausea and vomiting
• Emotional instability and personality changes
• Confusion or agitation
• Memory loss (amnesia)
• Headaches
• Passing out or fainting

The effects of a TIA last from a few minutes to a few hours and fully resolve within 24 hours. However, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, as a TIA is a warning sign that a full stroke may occur in the near future.

Symptoms of a TIA can include weakness or numbness in the face or arm, garbled speech, and vision changes

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or "mini stroke", is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to the brain. This disruption results in a lack of oxygen to the brain, which can cause symptoms similar to a stroke, such as weakness or numbness in the face or arm, garbled speech, and vision changes.

Weakness or Numbness in the Face or Arm

During a TIA, you may experience weakness or numbness in the face or arm, usually on one side of the body. This can cause drooping of the face or an inability to lift or control the arm. The person may not be able to smile or their mouth or eye may droop. They might also be unable to lift both arms and keep them raised due to weakness or numbness in one arm.

Garbled Speech

Speech may become slurred or garbled, and the person may have difficulty forming words or understanding what others are saying. In some cases, they may not be able to talk at all, even though they appear to be awake.

Vision Changes

Vision changes during a TIA can include blurred or double vision (diplopia) or even partial or total loss of vision in one or both eyes. These changes can be sudden and should be taken seriously.

It is important to note that a TIA is a medical emergency and should not be ignored. The effects of a TIA typically last only a few minutes to a few hours and fully resolve within 24 hours. However, it is a warning sign that you may be at risk of having a full stroke in the near future. Therefore, if you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to call for emergency medical assistance immediately.

If you suspect you are having a TIA, seek immediate medical attention

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often incorrectly referred to as "mini-strokes", are a medical emergency and should be treated as such. If you suspect you are having a TIA, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or your local emergency services number. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will subside, as every minute counts when dealing with a TIA.

TIAs are temporary disruptions in blood flow to the brain, resulting in symptoms similar to those of a stroke. These symptoms typically go away within 24 hours, with most cases resolving within minutes. However, it is essential to understand that a TIA is a warning sign that a more severe stroke may occur in the near future. Up to 20% of people who experience a TIA have a stroke within 90 days, and half of those strokes happen within the first two days. Therefore, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to preventing a future stroke and reducing the risk of permanent damage or death.

The symptoms of a TIA can include:

• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Sudden dimming or loss of vision
• Difficulty speaking or understanding language
• Slurred speech
• One-sided facial droop
• Double vision
• Problems with balance and spatial orientation
• Sensory deficits in one or more limbs and the face
• Loss of ability to understand or express speech
• Difficulties with swallowing

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to act quickly and seek medical help. Do not ignore the signs, as they could be an indication of a TIA or a more severe stroke.

Additionally, it is important to address risk factors that can contribute to a TIA or make one more likely to occur. These risk factors include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Tobacco use, especially smoking or vaping
• Atrial fibrillation (Afib) or irregular heart rhythm
• History of stroke or TIA
• Heart disease or previous heart attack
• High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
• Excess weight or obesity
• Non-medical drug use, including recreational drugs
• Alcohol overuse
• Age, as blood vessels become less flexible with advancing age

Frequently asked questions