Spotting Mini Strokes: Signs And Symptoms To Know

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), often referred to as a 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, leading to sudden symptoms similar to those of a stroke. These symptoms typically last a few minutes to a few hours and fully resolve within 24 hours. The main signs of a TIA can be recognised using the acronym FAST: drooping or numbness on one side of the face, weakness in one arm, slurred speech, and time to call emergency services if any of these symptoms are observed. Other possible symptoms include complete paralysis on one side of the body, blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, and loss of balance. While TIAs do not usually cause permanent damage, they serve as a warning sign of a potential full-blown stroke in the future, hence the importance of seeking immediate medical attention.

Weakness or drooping on one side of the face

A stroke can cause weakness or drooping on one side of the face. This is sometimes called "facial palsy". The person may be unable to smile or their mouth or eye may have drooped. Their eyelids, cheeks, or mouth may appear pulled down on one side, and they may have an involuntary smile or be unable to smile at all.

Facial drooping does not always occur during a stroke, so its absence does not mean a person is not having one. If other stroke symptoms are present, they may need emergency care.

If you suspect someone is having a stroke, it’s important to get them to a medical professional as quickly as possible. Remembering the acronym FAST can help you to recognise the signs of a stroke:

• Face – Look for drooping on one side of the face or an uneven smile.
• Arms – Check for weakness on one side of the body. The person may not be able to lift both arms and keep them there because of weakness or numbness in one arm.
• Speech – Look for an inability to speak normally or slurred speech.
• Time – If symptoms are present, call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Arm weakness or numbness

• Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven?
• Arm Weakness – Can they raise both arms? Does one arm drift downward?
• Speech Difficulty – Is their speech slurred?
• Time to call 999 – Stroke is an emergency. Every minute counts. Call 999 immediately and note the time when the symptoms first appeared.

It's important to note that arm numbness can also be caused by other factors, such as sleeping in an awkward position, a herniated disc, nerve damage, or cardiovascular disease. If you are experiencing arm numbness and are unsure of the cause, it is always best to seek medical advice.

Slurred speech or garbled speech

Slurred or garbled speech is a common symptom of a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). TIA is sometimes referred to as a "mini stroke", but it is more accurate to call it a "warning stroke" as it is a warning sign that you are at risk of having a full-blown stroke in the future.

Slurred speech occurs when the muscles that produce speech become paralysed or weakened. This can be caused by damage to the nervous system, such as damage to the tongue, voice box, or jaw. The medical term for slurred speech is dysarthria.

If you experience slurred speech, it is important to seek immediate medical attention, especially if it occurs suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness or numbness in one side of the body, or a severe headache. Paramedics can begin treating you in the ambulance, so it is important to call an ambulance rather than going to the ER yourself.

In addition to slurred speech, other symptoms of a stroke or TIA may include a drooping face, arm or leg weakness, and balance problems. These symptoms usually appear suddenly but can last for a few minutes or hours. It is important to be aware of these signs and seek emergency care right away.

Vision changes or double vision

A stroke occurs when the blood that brings oxygen to your brain stops flowing, causing brain cells to die. The majority of visual processing occurs in the occipital lobe, at the back of the brain. Most strokes affect one side of the brain. If the right occipital lobe is injured, the left field of vision in each eye may be affected. A stroke that impacts the left occipital lobe may disturb the right field of vision in each eye. In rare cases, both sides of the brain are affected, which can result in blindness.

Double vision, or diplopia, can occur after a stroke and is typically caused by damage to the nerves that control eye movement. The nerves and muscles that control eye movement are crucial for keeping the eyes aligned correctly, and misalignment often results in double vision after a stroke. The effects of nerve damage can vary from a loss of control over eye movement to a complete inability to move the eyes.

Several other types of vision problems may also occur after a stroke. These can be caused by damage to the way the brain processes images or by damage to the visual pathways from the eyes to the brain. For example, a stroke can affect one's ability to track moving objects, move the eyes from side to side (e.g. when reading), judge distances accurately, and hold the eyes still to focus.

If you are experiencing double vision or other vision disturbances, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible, even if it is your only symptom. Managing vision problems after a stroke will depend on the degree of vision disturbance and which part of the brain the stroke affected. Treatments for double vision depend on the underlying cause, and vision therapy and regular checkups will likely be needed to address any visual aftereffects of a stroke.

Loss of balance and coordination

There are several factors that contribute to balance issues following a stroke. One of the main factors is weakness or loss of sensation on one side of the body, particularly in the legs. This can make it challenging to move with confidence and increase the risk of trips and falls. Additionally, vision problems, which are common after a stroke, can further impact balance. These issues may include difficulty focusing, double vision, or a loss of part of the field of vision.

To compensate for the loss of sensation, individuals may rely more heavily on their vision, which requires increased concentration and can be tiring. This, in turn, can lead to a higher risk of accidents, especially when combined with balance issues.

Balance issues can also be caused by spatial neglect or "pusher syndrome", where individuals are not aware of one side of their body and their surroundings. This can result in a loss of balance as they attempt to move without fully considering their weak side.

It is important to note that balance issues can also be caused by other conditions unrelated to stroke, such as inner ear infections, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), migraines, or urinary tract infections.

If you or someone you know is experiencing loss of balance and coordination, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately by calling an ambulance. While TIAs may only cause temporary symptoms, they are a warning sign that you are at risk of having a full stroke. Prompt medical attention can help reduce the chances of a future stroke and save a life.

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