A “mini stroke,” medically known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), happens when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked. The symptoms may last only a few minutes and then disappear completely, which is exactly why many people underestimate them.
But a TIA is not harmless. The American Stroke Association describes it as a warning stroke because it can signal an increased risk of a full stroke in the days or weeks that follow. TIAs occur before about 15% of strokes.
Older adults should be particularly alert
