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Mini-Stroke Signs to Watch For

Transient Ischemic Attacks, commonly referred to as mini-strokes, are serious medical emergencies. A mini-stroke occurs when the brain temporarily loses oxygen and blood supplies. Mini-strokes are accompanied by a set of symptoms signifying the loss of brain function. Most mini-strokes resolve themselves within 24 hours, and blood and oxygen supplies to the brain resume. Most symptoms disappear within 10 minutes. Recognizing the set of symptoms that occur during a mini-stroke are vital to ensuring proper medical attention and preventing future attacks.

  1. Amaurosis Fugax

    • Amaurosis Fugax is a symptom of a mini-stroke that causes the sudden loss of eyesight in one eye. The blindness is temporary, usually subsiding within a few minutes. The mini-stroke causes debris from an artery near the eye to cut off circulation to the retina, thus blocking vision in that particular eye.

    Aphasia

    • Aphasia is a Greek term that literally means "no speech." Aphasia is characterized as the loss or defection of vocal or visual communication. In some cases, individuals also lose the ability to comprehend speech. Sometimes a mini-stroke impairs the left side of the brain, which is the area that controls speech. Symptoms usually last for a few minutes and then subside.

    Ataxia

    • Ataxia during a mini-stroke causes the loss of coordination in the body, making a person appear to be unsteady as he walks. A mini-stroke can adversely affect the cerebellum, causing unsteadiness and difficulty with walking.

    Dizziness and Fainting

    • Dizziness, sudden falls and fainting may occur during a mini-stroke. Individual may experience spinning or whirling sensations. They may suffer a drop attack, which is an unexpected fall to the ground as a result of losing certain functions of the nervous system. An individual may also slip in and out of consciousness during a mini-stroke. Any of these symptoms by themselves, or in tandem with others, is cause for concern of a mini-stroke.

    Recurring Symptoms

    • Ten percent of people who have mini-strokes will have a full stroke within three months, so individuals should seek medical attention at the first sign of problems. After a mini-stroke, a patient should undergo an examination and blood tests, and get a CT scan. Even if the symptoms subside, an individual needs to contact their primary care provider as soon as possible.

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