Mini-strokes, also known as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), occur when there is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. Although these attacks do not cause permanent damage, they are warning signs that often precede regular strokes and should be taken seriously. Anyone who has had a mini-stroke should be evaluated by a medical professional so that a stroke-prevention plan can be developed.
Vision Changes
Mini-strokes can cause changes in vision, particularly double vision, partial blindness and total loss of vision. According to the Dana Foundation, this occurs because mini-strokes can affect the visual pathways near the optic nerve of the brain. When blood supply to the optic nerve is interrupted, these visual changes occur. Visual changes associated with mini-strokes are not permanent but indicate a need for medical evaluation and followup.
Speech Difficulties
A person suffering an attack may have difficulty speaking or understanding the speech of others. Speech can also become slurred during a mini-stroke. If you suspect that a loved one is having a mini-stroke, ask the person to smile, raise both arms and repeat a short phrase. If facial drooping or unusual speech is present, this indicates that a mini-stroke is occurring.
Sudden Headache or Dizziness
According to the McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois, headache is not usually a sign of mini-stroke and other serious conditions, such as encephalitis, stroke and cerebral aneurysm. However, it is possible that a sudden, severe headache can signal a mini-stroke. These headaches have no other cause and are caused by the temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. Seek immediate medical attention for headaches accompanied by the other neurological symptoms of a mini-stroke. Sudden dizziness can also indicate that a mini-stroke is in progress, especially when it occurs with weakness, speech difficulties, visual disturbances or loss of coordination and strength.
Facial Drooping
Facial drooping, particularly on one side of the face, is an indicator of transient ischemic attack. When a person who is having a mini-stroke smiles, one side of the smile may droop below the other. Eyelid drooping can also occur during a transient ischemic attack. Because facial drooping and a crooked smile can also be signs of Bell's palsy, they should be evaluated by a medical professional to determine their true cause.
Loss of Strength or Coordination
One-sided numbness and weakness are signs that a mini-stroke is occurring. According to the American Stroke Association, this numbness and weakness occur suddenly. They are not related to other neurological conditions or diseases that affect muscle tone and function. Someone who is having a mini-stroke may also suffer from a loss of coordination or loss of balance. These are particularly dangerous symptoms, because they can cause mini-stroke victims to fall and suffer other injuries.
