You’re visiting your parent.

They’re making coffee when suddenly… they slur their words. Their smile looks uneven. One arm drops to their side.

Then, just as quickly as it started… it stops. They shake it off. “I’m fine now,” they say.

But what you just witnessed may have been a mini-stroke — medically known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA).

And even though the symptoms went away, this was not normal. 👉 It was a major warning sign.

A TIA is caused by a temporary blockage in blood flow to the brain — often lasting less than an hour. While it doesn’t cause permanent brain damage like a full stroke, it’s one of the strongest predictors that a life-threatening stroke could happen within days or weeks.

Let’s explore how to recognize the signs, why every minute matters, and what steps to take — so you can protect your loved one before it’s too late.

Because real care isn’t about waiting until something goes wrong. It’s about acting fast — the moment you see something off.

🔍 What Is a Mini-Stroke (TIA)?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly blocked — usually by a blood clot.


✅ Symptoms mimic a stroke — but typically lastless than 1 hour(often just minutes)
✅ No permanent brain damage occurs during a TIA
✅ But up to1 in 3 people who have a TIA will later have a full stroke— half within a year
✅50% of these strokes happen within 48 hours of the TIA

🟥 That’s why a TIA is now called a "warning stroke" — not a “minor” one.