A light stroke is different from a regular stroke. Termed a transient ischemic attack (TIA), it "is an episode in which a person has stroke-like symptoms for less than 24 hours, usually less than one to two hours," according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The symptoms can begin suddenly without warning, and then disappear completely. Sometimes, the symptoms can occur again later. While a light stroke or transient ischemic attack is different from a small stroke, the symptoms are the same.
Weakness
According to the NIH, weakness is a common symptom of a light stroke. Usually, the muscle weakness occurs on one side of the body, mainly in the face, arm or leg. In addition to the muscle weakness, numbness or tingling can also occur on the same side of the body.
Sensation
A change in sensation is also a symptom of a light stroke. According to the NIH, the changes in sensation can affect the patient's sense of touch, pain, taste, hearing, pressure and temperature. Also, the patient may experience dizziness or vertigo. Light stroke patients may also have a lack of coordination or balance, as well as trouble walking or unusual clumsiness.
Language
Language skills can also be affected by a light stroke. Symptoms include trouble speaking or understanding spoken language, according to the NIH. Patients may also display problems with reading and writing during a light stroke.
Vision
Another group of symptoms of a light stroke is vision problems, according to the NIH. Vision problems include double vision, loss of all vision or partial loss of vision.
Alertness
According to the NIH, patients may experience a change in alertness during a light stroke. Examples of a change in alertness are sleepiness, unconsciousness, being less responsive and entering a coma.
Memory
Memory problems are also symptoms of a light stroke. According to the NIH, memory problems include a loss of memory or confusion.
Additional Symptoms
Other symptoms of a light stroke include personality, mood and emotional changes, difficulty swallowing and lack of control over the bladder or bowels. According to the NIH, some patients may suffer from agnosia, which is the inability to recognize or identify sensory stimuli.
