One side of the face looks uneven or “sags”
Ask the person to smile—does one corner droop?
Neurology appointment scheduling
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
Senior health monitoring
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
Neurologist consultation service
📊 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
Physical therapy sessions
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.Vascular health supplements

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