Here are 5 important signs of a mini-stroke (TIA) in the elderly. A mini-stroke is temporary, but it’s a medical emergency because it strongly predicts a full stroke.
5 Signs of a Mini Stroke (TIA) in the Elderly
1. Sudden Weakness or Numbness
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Often affects one side of the body
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Face drooping, arm or leg weakness, or numbness
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May last minutes to hours, then resolve
2. Trouble Speaking or Understanding Speech
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Slurred speech
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Difficulty finding words
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Confusion when listening to others
3. Sudden Vision Problems
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Blurred or double vision
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Loss of vision in one or both eyes
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“Curtain-like” vision loss
4. Sudden Dizziness or Loss of Balance
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Trouble walking
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Poor coordination
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Feeling lightheaded or unsteady
5. Sudden Severe Headache or Confusion
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Headache with no known cause
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Sudden mental confusion or memory trouble
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May be mistaken for dementia or “just aging”
⚠️ Why Mini Strokes Are Dangerous
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Symptoms often go away, leading people to ignore them
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Up to 1 in 3 people who have a TIA will have a major stroke later
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The highest risk is within 48 hours
🚨 What to Do Immediately
Use FAST:
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Face drooping
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Arm weakness
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Speech difficulty
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Time to call emergency services
👉 Call emergency services immediately, even if symptoms disappear.
Extra Risk Factors in the Elderly
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High blood pressure
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Atrial fibrillation
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Diabetes
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Smoking
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High cholesterol
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Prior stroke or TIA
If you’d like, I can also provide:
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Differences between TIA vs. full stroke
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Prevention tips after a mini stroke
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When confusion is stroke-related vs. dementia
Just tell me.