What are the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is caused by a temporary loss of blood flow to part of the brain. Symptoms are usually sudden, neurological, and short-lasting (minutes to under an hour), but they look exactly like a stroke.

Core TIA Symptoms (FAST rule)

These are the most common and the ones the public is taught to watch for:

F – Face

• Sudden drooping on one side

• Uneven smile

A – Arm

• Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm or leg

• Arm drifts downward when raised

S – Speech

• Slurred speech

• Difficulty speaking

• Trouble finding words

• Inability to understand speech

T – Time

Even if symptoms disappear → call 911 immediately.

Other Common Symptoms of a TIA:

Sudden numbness or tingling

Especially on one side of the body.

Sudden vision problems

• Loss of vision in one eye (“curtain coming down”)

• Double vision

• Blurred vision

Sudden trouble walking

• Loss of coordination

• Balance problems

• Dizziness not related to inner-ear issues

Sudden confusion

• Inability to think clearly

• Trouble understanding simple instructions

Sudden severe headache (less common but possible)

• Often described as “unusual” or “worst of my life”

Sudden difficulty swallowing

Why a TIA is an emergency

• Symptoms may disappear quickly, but the risk of a major stroke within 48 hours is high.

• A TIA is a warning sign, not a harmless event.

• Calling 911 is the correct response every time.