Hearing about “mini strokes” may sound less ominous than a “full stroke”, but they still should always be taken seriously. Known as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), these brief episodes are urgent medical events and could be red flags for a future stroke risk. Nebraska Medicine neurologist Pierre Fayad, MD, explains what a mini stroke is, how to recognize the signs and why fast action is crucial and potentially life-saving.

What is a mini stroke?

“A mini stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly blocked,” explains Dr. Fayad. “Unlike a full stroke, a TIA should not cause permanent brain damage, and symptoms often go away within a few seconds to a few minutes.” 

But don’t let the “mini” part mislead you and make you underestimate it. Mini strokes can be powerful warning signs that a major stroke could happen soon, with the highest risk in next couple of day/s, month/s and should always be treated as a medical emergency.

“The term can mislead people into thinking it’s benign because it didn’t cause significant disability,” says Dr. Fayad. “While it’s good when a stroke causes less disability, the condition is just as serious in predicting a risk of stroke and should be treated with the same level of urgency.”

What causes a TIA? 

A TIA is usually caused by a blood clot temporarily blocking a blood vessel in the brain. This blockage can prevent oxygen and nutrients from reaching a part of the brain, causing temporary brain dysfunction and producing symptoms of a stroke. However, the blockage in a TIA goes away before causing permanent damage.

Common causes of TIA include:

• Blood clots that travel from other parts of the body.
• Narrowed or damaged blood vessels.
• High blood pressure that damages blood vessels over time.
• Irregular heart rhythms that lead to clot formation. 

While symptoms do go away, the event itself is a red flag. About 1 in 3 people who have a TIA will go on to experience a full stroke—often within 48 hours. 

Recognizing the signs and symptoms

“Stroke and TIA present similarly,” says Dr. Fayad. “There may be a sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body or the other, less commonly both sides.” 

Other signs to watch for:

• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Difficulty speaking or slurred speech.
• Loss of balance to one side or the other.
• Sudden, severe headache. 

Dr. Fayad emphasizes the importance of using the B.E.F.A.S.T. or F.A.S.T. strategies to recognize symptoms of stroke:

• Balance – Loss of balance or coordination.
• Eyes – Vision changes in one or both eyes.
• Face – Drooping on one side of the face.
• Arm – Weakness or numbness in arms or legs.
• Speech – Difficulty speaking or slurred speech.
• Time – Call 911 immediately.

While stroke symptoms happen similarly across genders, women may be more likely to experience headaches, fatigue or confusion. 

What to do if you suspect a TIA

Call 911 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to go away. 

“All patients with stroke or mini stroke should be evaluated urgently, preferably in an emergency room setting or in an outpatient setting that can provide rapidly the same testing and clinical evaluations,” says Dr. Fayad. 

Doctors may look for underlying causes—such as blocked arteries or heart conditions— and may prescribe blood thinners, blood pressure meds and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Additionally, changes in diet, exercise and smoking status may be recommended for patients experiencing any kind of stroke.

Patients should talk to their health care provider if they experience sudden neurological symptoms. The best way to manage stroke risk factors is through long-term regular check-ups. 

Don’t ignore the warning

While TIAs are temporary, their impact may be permanent if ignored. Acting fast and getting proper care could prevent a life-altering stroke.