Mini Stroke Signs and Symptoms

You have a mini stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) to use the correct medical term when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted for a short time. This deprives your brain of oxygen, which causes the symptoms.

The symptoms of a TIA are very similar to a full stroke with the only difference being the temporary effect. They typically last from a few minutes to several hours but have resolved completely within 24 hours.

The main symptoms to look for can be summed up FAST.

Face – Loss of feeling or weakness in your face

Arms – Difficulty moving or numbness in your arms

Speech – Sudden difficulty saying your words

Time – Call the emergency services if any of these signs are present for immediate hospital assessment.

If any of your symptoms last for longer than 24 hours you have had a full CVA and will be treated as such.

It’s difficult to be certain as many people who have TIA’s don’t realise and don’t see a doctor. It is reasonable to assume they are far more common than recorded.

There are of course other symptoms and they are described in more detail here. It is important to get checked out if you are concerned.

The causes of mini strokes are discussed in more detail here. There are many things you can do to reduce the chances of it happening to you. Even with all the medical advances it still holds true that prevention is better than cure.

If you have been taken to hospital you will be seen and assessed by a doctor and he or she will take a history and examine you. You may have some investigations such as blood tests or X-rays. Once all the results are back they will try to reach a diagnosis of TIA if that is correct.

Once a definite diagnosis of a mini stroke has been made treatment will start as soon as possible. The aim of the treatment is to prevent you having any further episodes or even a full stroke. The treatment will be partly based on your own precise situation, circumstances and cause of the TIA.

Treatment options include a variety of different drugs, controlling blood pressure and lowering cholesterol. You may be offered an operation called a carotid endarterectomy.

If at all possible prevention of a min stroke is far and away the best option. With weight loss, healthy eating, stopping smoking and exercise you can make a surprising difference.

A mini stroke is a medical emergency and you must have it investigated. With no treatment you have a 1 in 5 chance of a full stroke in the next 4 weeks. So if you are at all concerned go to hospital and see a doctor.

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