How to spot a mini-stroke: early signs and symptoms

What is a mini-stroke?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) - commonly known as a mini-stroke - happens when your brain's blood supply is briefly interrupted. This prevents oxygen from reaching your brain for a short period of time. Usually, this blockage happens when a blood clot travels to the brain's blood vessels. Sometimes, it can be caused by bits of fat or air bubbles.

Natalie Mackenzie, a brain injury expert and Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapist based in London, UK, explains that a mini-stroke typically lasts a short period - ranging from a few minutes to a few hours - before resolving on its own. However, she warns that a mini-stroke is a significant warning sign for a potential stroke.

She advises not to dismiss these symptoms - even if they stop quickly. Seek medical attention right away to confirm your diagnosis and ensure you get the right treatment to reduce your chance of future strokes.

What does a mini-stroke feel like?

Mini-stroke symptoms closely resemble those of a full stroke.

Mackenzie explains the most common symptoms include weakness and numbness, especially on one side of the body.

"Other symptoms can include problems with speech - both understanding and speaking, issues with vision, balance, or dizziness," she says. "The sudden headaches associated with stroke are less common in TIA and stroke symptoms last for more than 24 hours."

What are the warning signs of a mini-stroke?

While the symptoms of a stroke and a mini-stroke can overlap - and a stroke is undoubtedly more severe - both conditions require immediate medical attention. Recognising the signs of a mini-stroke is crucial for preventing a more serious event.

Mackenzie adds you may feel dizzy, lose your balance, and notice changes to your vision, Headaches are usually less common with mini-strokes, however there is still a likelihood you may get them.

"The key difference between mini-stroke and regular stroke is the length of symptoms," she says. "TIA symptoms are milder, do not worsen over time, and should resolve between minutes or hours. Stroke symptoms, however, will persist, and may cause permanent damage."

Can mini-strokes be prevented?

Several factors can increase your chance of having a mini-stroke - many of which are similar to those that raise your likelihood of a full stroke.

"People with artery diseases or heart rhythm disorders can also be more susceptible," she says. "Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet and inactivity increase your chance of mini-strokes - as does a family history of TIA and strokes."

She adds that if you've previously had a mini-stroke or stroke, this can further raise your chances of having another one.

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits in your daily routine is a simple way to help reduce your likelihood of having a stroke or mini-stroke.

These improvements can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels while supporting a healthy weight.

Mackenzie says that some people could be prescribed medicine to help prevent stroke - especially those who have a higher susceptibility.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need a type of surgery called carotid endarterectomy, which unblocks your carotid arteries - the main vessels that bring blood to your brain. Sometimes fatty deposits in the carotid arteries are a place where clots can form and then cause a stroke. After a TIA this surgery can dramatically reduce the risk of having another TIA or a stroke.