A mini-stroke is an informal term for a transient ischemic attack. This condition lasts for a short time, often just a few minutes, but is a serious warning sign of a possible future stroke.
A transient ischemic attack occurs when blood flow to a specific area of the brain is temporarily interrupted. Unlike a full-blown stroke, these disturbances do not lead to permanent damage to brain tissue, but they signal a high risk of dangerous complications.
Experts note that a mini-stroke can precede a stroke by several hours or days, and in some cases even several years. That is why even short-term symptoms should not be ignored.
Symptoms of a mini-stroke include sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body, slurred speech, sudden vision loss, double vision, dizziness, and loss of coordination. These symptoms usually go away within one to five minutes.
Doctors emphasize that even if your well-being quickly returns to normal, you should seek medical attention immediately. A timely examination allows you to identify the cause of circulatory disorders and take measures that can prevent the development of a full-fledged stroke.
