5 Mini Stroke Symptoms Expert Doctors Say Can Be Easily Missed
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. | A mini stroke can signal a more severe stroke in the future. Here, brain doctors and researchers explain how to identify mini stroke symptoms....and, how to respond. |
Mini stroke, medically referred to as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), is a condition that the American Stroke Association notes as affecting roughly 240,000 individuals annually in the United States.
A ministroke is essentially a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, spinal cord, or retina, explains Jonathan Graff-Radford, MD, a Mayo Clinic neurology doctor. Unlike a stroke, a ministroke doesn’t cause lasting damage to brain cells or lead to permanent disability. However, the similarity in symptoms between a TIA and a stroke means that recognizing these early warnings is critical, as the risk of stroke skyrockets within 48 hours post-TIA.
Here’s a valuable tip: To identify stroke or ministroke symptoms, commit to memory the “B.E.F.A.S.T.” acronym:
- “B.E.F.A.S.T.” acronym:Balance
- Eyes
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulties
- Time to call 911.
This acronym is a quick reference in serious medical situations, enabling you to swiftly identify stroke and mini stroke symptoms and potentially save a life.
Ahead, learn five ministroke symptoms that expert doctors say are easy to miss but crucial to catch.
Mini stroke symptoms, according to stroke experts
Ministroke symptom 1. Unexplained dizziness or loss of balance
Experiencing
a sudden wave of dizziness or an unexplained loss of balance can be a
telltale sign of a mini stroke, Dr. Graff-Radford says. Though dizziness
and balance issues can stem from various factors, their abrupt onset
without a clear cause should raise concerns about a brief disruption of
blood flow to the brain.
What to look out for in others: Keep an
eye out for someone who suddenly grasps for support, appears unsteady on
their feet, or needs to sit down abruptly due to a dizzy spell.
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Ministroke symptom 2. Loss of vision in one or both eyes
A
sudden and unexplained loss of vision in one or both eyes can be a
ministroke symptom, the American Stroke Association says. This temporary
blindness or significant visual disturbance results from a blockage
that disrupts blood flow to the retina, serving as a critical ministroke
warning sign not to be overlooked.
What to look out for in
others: Pay attention if someone suddenly struggles with seeing, blinks
excessively, or appears disoriented, trying to focus on objects.
Ministroke symptom 3: Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
The
American Stroke Association points out that a sudden onset of weakness
or numbness in the face, arm, or leg, predominantly affecting just one
side of the body, is a common warning signal of a ministroke.
What
to look out for in others: Keep an eye out for someone who suddenly has
trouble lifting an arm or leg, experiences a droop on one side of their
face, or expresses unexpected sensations of numbness or weakness.
Ministroke symptom 4: Severe headache with no known cause
Headaches
can be a common part of life, but a sudden, severe headache without a
clear cause can be a red flag for a ministroke according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Unlike typical headaches, this pain comes on swiftly and intensely,
often without the usual culprits like caffeine withdrawal or dehydration
to blame.
What to look out for in others: Keep an eye on someone
who suddenly clutches their head in pain, winces, or expresses an
unexpected and intense headache.
Ministroke symptom 5. Confusion or difficulty understanding speech
A
sudden shift from clarity to confusion or finding it challenging to
grasp what others are saying can be a serious indicator of a mini
stroke. As a 2022 medical review by expert doctors of stroke patients
highlighted “unilateral weakness, aphasia or dysarthria are strongly
associated with a high likelihood of TIA.” Aphasia is defined as trouble
speaking or understanding language, while dysarthria is characterized
by slurred or slow speech that can be difficult to understand.
What
to look out for in others: Notice if someone abruptly stops
mid-conversation, appears puzzled by familiar language, or struggles to
articulate their thoughts clearly.
How to respond to mini stroke symptoms:
According
to experts, mini stroke symptoms can last anywhere from a few minutes
to a full day. If you suspect that you or someone else is experiencing a
mini stroke, seek medical assistance without delay. Additionally, it’s
vital to consult with a healthcare professional to assess your stroke
risk factors, which include:
- Age
- Atrial fibrillation
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Smoking habits
Proactively addressing and managing these risk factors can help lower the likelihood of experiencing this condition.
https://www.thehealthy.com/stroke/mini-stroke-symptoms-from-neurology-doctors/