- One side of the face looks uneven or “sags”
- Ask the person to smile—does one corner droop?
2. Arm Weakness
- Sudden numbness or weakness in one arm (or leg)
- They may drop objects or be unable to raise both arms evenly
3. Speech Difficulty
- Slurred, garbled, or strange speech
- Inability to repeat a simple sentence (“The sky is blue”)
- Sometimes, they can’t speak at all—or don’t realize their words are wrong
4. Vision Changes (The “+1”)
- Sudden blurred, double, or lost vision in one or both eyes
- May describe it as a “curtain coming down” over their eye
- Often overlooked—but a classic TIA sign in seniors
5. Balance or Coordination Loss (The “+2”)
- Sudden dizziness, stumbling, or loss of balance
- Not due to inner ear issues—this comes without warning
- They may say, “I just felt like the room spun,” or “My legs gave out”
💡 Crucial note: Symptoms may last as little as 2–5 minutes—but call 911 immediately, even if they’ve stopped.
❗ Why Seniors Are at Higher Risk
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib): Common in older adults—causes blood clots that travel to the brain
- Carotid artery disease: Narrowed neck arteries reduce blood flow
- High blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking history: Accelerate vascular damage
- Medication gaps: Missing blood pressure or blood thinner doses
📊 Shocking stat: Nearly half of all TIAs occur in people over 75—yet many go unreported because symptoms are “gone by the time they reach the doctor.”
🚑 What to Do If You Suspect a Mini Stroke—Act Fast!
- Call 911 immediately—do not drive them yourself.
- Note the time symptoms started—this determines treatment options.
- Do not give aspirin, food, or drink until evaluated.
- Go to the ER—even if symptoms disappear. A TIA is a stroke in progress.
🏥 At the hospital, they’ll perform:
- Brain imaging (MRI/CT)
- Carotid ultrasound
- Heart rhythm monitoring (for AFib)
- Blood tests
Early intervention can include blood thinners, stents, or surgery to prevent a major stroke.
✅ Prevention After a TIA: A Second Chance
If your loved one has had a TIA, their medical team will likely recommend:
- Antiplatelet meds (like aspirin or clopidogrel)
- Anticoagulants (if AFib is present)
- Blood pressure and cholesterol control
- Lifestyle changes: Quit smoking, manage diabetes, eat a Mediterranean diet
- Regular follow-ups with a neurologist or vascular specialist
❤️ This is not the end—it’s a wake-up call to protect their future.
Final Thought: Don’t Wait for a Second Chance
A mini stroke doesn’t “just go away.” It leaves a silent path to a devastating, preventable event.
As a caregiver, your vigilance—your willingness to act on subtle, fleeting signs—could be the difference between recovery and permanent disability.
So remember:
“Time lost is brain lost.”
If you see it—even for a minute—call 911.
Your loved one’s independence, dignity, and life may depend on it.
🕰️ Seconds matter. Trust your gut. Act fast.
Caring for an aging parent?
👉 Download our free “Stroke Warning Signs Checklist”—a printable guide to keep on the fridge or in your wallet.
You’ll also get:
- A medication tracker for heart health
- A list of questions to ask the neurologist
- Weekly senior wellness tips (no spam—just support)
