5 Symptoms of a Mini-Stroke in Seniors That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
- What to look for: The person may suddenly slur their words, use incorrect words, or find themselves completely unable to speak despite knowing what they want to say. Alternatively, they may look confused and struggle to understand simple instructions or conversation from others.
3. Sudden Vision Changes
A TIA can cause sudden, painless changes in a senior’s eyesight. Because it usually affects only one side of the brain, the vision trouble often occurs in just one eye.
- What to look for: Sudden blurred vision, double vision, or a temporary loss of vision entirely (often described as a “dark curtain” coming down over the eye).
4. Dizziness, Loss of Balance, or Difficulty Walking
Seniors are already at a higher risk for falls, but a sudden, unexplained loss of coordination could point to a mini-stroke affecting the cerebellum (the balance center of the brain).
- What to look for: Sudden, severe dizziness or vertigo, an inability to walk in a straight line, or a complete loss of balance and coordination without an obvious cause.
5. Sudden, Severe Headache
While less common than weakness or speech issues, a sudden, blinding headache with no known cause can be a symptom of a TIA.
