What Is a Mini-Stroke?

This content has been reviewed and approved by Amy Porter MSN, RN, SCRN

Mini-strokes (or transient ischemic attacks) are when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked. TIAs typically last less than five minutes and don’t cause permanent brain damage.

However, a TIA can be a warning, as approximately 30% of people who experience one will eventually have a stroke. Half of those events occur within a year of the TIA, and some occur as soon as days, hours, or even minutes after.

This article covers mini-strokes or TIAs, including their symptoms, causes and treatment.

Mini-Stroke Symptoms

The symptoms of a mini-stroke or TIA are like those of a stroke, including:

• Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Trouble speaking or slurred speech
• Sudden partial or complete loss of one or more of the senses (vision, hearing, smell, touch or taste)
• Drooping of one side of the face
• Sudden, severe headache
• Memory loss
• Personality or emotional changes
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Agitation or confusion
• Fainting

Mini-Stroke Causes and Risk Factors

TIAs occur when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. That can occur if a blood clot forms in the brain or a piece of a clot elsewhere in the body is carried by blood flow to the brain.

In some cases, a TIA is labeled cryptogenic, meaning its cause is unknown.

Your risk of a TIA is higher if you have certain risk factors, including:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Atrial fibrillation
• A history of mini-strokes or strokes
• Obesity
• Recreational drug or alcohol use

Your risk of a TIA also increases as you age.

Treatment After a TIA

Although the symptoms of a TIA resolve quickly, it’s essential to get medical attention right away, as a stroke may be imminent. Doctors treat patients following a TIA in various ways depending on the results of diagnostic imaging scans and physical and neurological exams.

Treatments can include:

• Medications to reduce the risk of blood clots, thin the blood, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, etc.
• Catheter procedures to remove blood clots, expand arteries, or place devices called stents to open narrowed blood vessels.
• Surgery to remove plaque from blood vessels and widen them.

Lowering Your Risk of TIAs and Strokes

You can reduce your risk of experiencing a TIA or stroke by doing the following:

• See your primary care doctor at least annually for a checkup.
• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
• Make dietary changes as needed.
• Quit tobacco products (or don’t start using them).
• Consume alcohol in moderation or not at all.
• Take prescription medication as directed.
• Actively manage chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Talk With Your Doctor About TIAs

If you experience a TIA, you should call 911 immediately. After that, it’s important to talk with your primary care doctor about the event and what you can do to reduce your stroke risk. They may also refer you to our neurology and stroke care team if appropriate.

Don’t have a Baptist Health physician? You can find one in our online provider directory.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Neurology and Stroke Care
Spot the Signs of a Stroke
What Is Heat Stroke?
What Does a Stroke Feel Like?