Mini-strokes occur when there is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain. These systems can be used by your loved one to call for help quickly if they are experiencing stroke symptoms. If your loved one lives alone and is believed to be at risk for a mini-stroke due to family history or a condition like diabetes, it may be worth looking into medical alert systems that involve devices like medical alert watches. These can accumulate and lead to serious issues of cognition and coordination that interfere with daily tasks. ![]() A medical professional is needed to make the distinctions and ascertain exactly what the issue is so that there is no misdiagnosis and so no symptoms are dismissed or downplayed.įurthermore, while it is often believed that mini-strokes cannot cause brain injury or disability, new research has shown that people who have suffered from mini-strokes can have tiny dot-like lesions in the brain which is referred to as “white matter disease”. ![]() Symptoms of TIA can resemble those of meningitis, multiple sclerosis, another type of stroke or fainting due to low blood pressure. It is vital to be evaluated at a TIA clinic or emergency department for a thorough and reliable understanding of what has occurred with your loved one. These steps do not replace a diagnosis from a medical professional. The last step of the acronym is to realize that time is of the essence, and seeking emergency care immediately is essential. If their words sound strange, garbled, or slurred then this could be a sign of a mini-stroke. The person may also feel weakness in their legs which can cause stumbling or poor coordination.Ĭheck if the person is able to speak clearly without slurring, or if they are having difficulties repeating a simple phrase. To determine what is happening in the case of an emergency, the acronym FAST is often used to check for the signs of a mini-stroke.Īsk the person to smile and check if it is lopsided or if any side of the mouth is drooping.Ĭheck if they are having difficulties moving one of their arms and if any of their arms are drooping downward. This can involve temporary blindness in one eye. Slurred speech, trouble talking or understanding.Numbness or weakness on one side of the body (dependent upon the location of a blood clot in the brain).At times they can last for up to 24 hours. The mini-stroke itself usually lasts for a few minutes, with symptoms disappearing within an hour. While they are not the same as a stroke, mini strokes also require immediate medical attention. The symptoms of mini-strokes in the elderly are very similar to those of a stroke. In this article, we will go over the causes and symptoms of mini-strokes in detail, so you know what to look out for in case of an emergency. It will help you take the right action at the right time which can minimize the damage caused by the mini-stroke. Staying informed about the risk factors for mini-strokes and their symptoms is an important part of caring for an elderly person in your life. However, mini-strokes can often lead to a stroke, which makes early treatment that much more important, as it can potentially prevent another stroke from taking place. ![]() ![]() The symptoms may be mild for a mini-stroke, compelling people to look past them in the belief that it is a mere sign of aging. However, the symptoms of mini-strokes and strokes are very similar, which can make distinguishing them a challenge. The temporary lack of blood flow usually does not last more than 5 minutes. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.Ī mini-stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) causes stroke-like symptoms when a part of the brain experiences a temporary lack of blood flow.Ī mini-stroke is quite different from a stroke, as its symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This article has been medically reviewed by Dr.
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