A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is similar to a stroke, causing comparable symptoms. However, a TIA typically lasts only minutes and does not result in lasting damage. These mini strokes often serve as a warning, preceding stroke in one in three people, according to the Mayo Clinic. Side effects of a TIA may also be like those occurring with migraines, causing symptoms that are typical with auras (preceding signs of a migraine) and other sensations like weakness.
Weakness and Pain
Weakness is a common side effect that occurs both before and after a migraine headache. Weakness is also a sign occurring suddenly, caused by a TIA. In addition, a TIA may also present numbness or paralysis in the face, arm or leg on one side of the body. With migraines, throbbing or pain may occur on one side of the head, beginning as a dull sensation and worsening within hours or minutes. If left untreated, the pain of a migraine may last from 6 to 48 hours, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Vision Disturbances/ Auras
When an aura arises, warning a migraine sufferer of the impending headache, vision disturbances that are also common in a TIA occur. Blurred vision, temporary blind spots, eye pain, seeing lines or stars and tunnel vision can precede a migraine by 10 to 15 minutes. However, in some individuals, these conditions may occur only several minutes or an entire day beforehand, according to the National Library of Medicine. Vision disturbances like sudden blindness in one or both eyes or double vision are similar side effects of a TIA.
Speech Problems
Speech problems, including trouble speaking or difficulty finding words, are common side effects of both TIAs and migraine headaches. In addition, side effects related to migraine headaches may also include difficulty concentrating, which generally occurs before the onset of a migraine. A TIA causes more definite side effects related to speech, including slurred words and trouble understanding, which may also occur with dizziness or loss of balance or coordination, according to the Mayo Clinic. Call your doctor if these or any of these symptoms occur and are not typical migraine side effects, as immediate evaluation of a treatable condition can help eliminate a stroke.
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