Mini-Stroke in the Elderly: Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore ⚠️🧠


 

A transient ischemic attack (TIA or "mini-stroke") is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. Though symptoms resolve within 24 hours (usually minutes to hours), TIAs are medical emergencies1 in 5 lead to a full stroke within 90 days. Here’s how to spot them in elderly loved ones.


Common Symptoms of a Mini-Stroke 🚨

(FAST acronym + more subtle signs)

🅵 Face Drooping

  • One side of the face sags or feels numb.

  • Ask them to smile – is it uneven?

🅰 Arm Weakness

  • One arm drifts downward when raised.

  • Sudden clumsiness (e.g., dropping a cup).

🆂 Speech Difficulty

  • Slurred or garbled speech.

  • Trouble understanding simple sentences.

🅽 Time to Call 911

  • Even if symptoms fade, urgent evaluation is critical.


Unusual or Less-Known Symptoms in the Elderly 🔍