A stroke is a medical emergency that can lead to lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or death. But what does it mean to have a “mini-stroke”? Mini-strokes, also known as transient ischemic attacks (TIA), are considered milder than a full stroke. 

However, both are still extremely dangerous medical emergencies, and must be treated as such. In this article, Ability Central answers your questions about the differences between strokes, mini-strokes, and TIA, including:

• What is a stroke?
• What is a mini-stroke? Is a mini-stroke the same thing as a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
• Is a stroke the same thing as a TIA?
• What is recovery like after a mini-stroke?
• What is recovery like after a stroke? 
• Where can I get more information about strokes, mini-strokes, and transient ischemic attacks?

What is a stroke?

A stroke, the brain’s equivalent to a heart attack, happens when there’s an issue with blood flow to the brain. Strokes happen when blood vessels become blocked by a clot, or if a blood vessel bursts and causes bleeding in the brain. Without a steady supply of blood, the cells in that area of the brain start to die from lack of oxygen.

Someone having a stroke might experience:

• A “sentinel headache,” a severe, sudden headache that may last a long time. This is often the only warning sign of an upcoming stroke. 
• Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg on one side of the body.
• Difficulty speaking or understanding others.
• Problems with vision in one or both eyes.
• Difficulty with balance or coordination.
• Problems with movement or walking.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

There are two types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. About 90% of strokes are ischemic, meaning there is a blockage in a blood vessel in the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes, which are much more rare, happen when an artery in the brain leaks blood or bursts. 

To learn more about the differences between ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes, see How Do I Know If Someone’s Having a Stroke? In this article, you’ll also find early stroke warning signs like facial drooping, partial paralysis, and slurred speech.

What is a mini-stroke? Is a mini-stroke the same thing as a transient ischemic attack (TIA)? 

A mini-stroke is called a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. We call these “mini-strokes” because they are less severe, but they are still a dangerous medical emergency. Without immediate treatment, TIA can have devastating effects on someone’s brain function and recovery. 

Part of what makes TIAs so tricky to diagnose is that they have the same symptoms as strokes. TIA symptoms typically do not last as long as a stroke, and many people who have a TIA fail to get medical attention afterward. 

Is a stroke the same thing as a TIA? 

Strokes and mini-strokes are not the same thing, although they look and feel very alike. Like strokes, TIAs are characterized by muscle weakness or numbness, facial drooping, head pain, confusion, and problems with vision, speech, and balance. 

However, TIA symptoms may not be as intense as stroke symptoms, and typically go away on their own. People who have a TIA are at a much higher risk of having a stroke soon after. According to the CDC, of people who survive a TIA: 

• About 13% will have a major stroke within 3 months.
• About 35% will have a major stroke within one year.

If you have any symptoms of a stroke, mild or severe, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. Seek immediate medical attention, even if the symptoms are mild or go away. 

To learn more about the risk factors for strokes and mini-strokes, see Seven Tips to Recognize and Prevent a Stroke.

What is recovery like after a mini-stroke?

Most TIA symptoms resolve themselves within a few minutes, or up to 24 hours. The first few hours and the first week after a TIA are the most dangerous, because someone who has a TIA may have a full stroke soon after. 

Recovery after a mini-stroke involves close monitoring to lower your risk of having a stroke in the future. Lifestyle or medication changes, like managing diabetes differently, losing weight, or lowering cholesterol, are all possible recovery options after a TIA. 

TIA recovery does not usually require physical or occupational therapy, but your doctor may refer you to a specialist to make sure you’re staying on top of your risk factors.  

What is recovery like after a stroke?

Because a stroke is much more severe, recovery takes longer and is much more involved. Many people who have strokes experience concurrent conditions like aphasia, apraxia/dyspraxia, or temporary muteness. Partial or total paralysis is also common. 

A stroke can lead to temporary or permanent disabilities, like:

• Paralysis or weakness
• Aphasia, difficulty with either language or speech
• Dysphagia, difficulty swallowing
• Sensory problems
• Physical or mental fatigue
• Anxiety and depression
• Dysarthria, difficulty speaking due to weakened muscles
• Dexterity issues
• Speech problems like muteness, stuttering, or apraxia 

In most cases, post-stroke recovery involves medication changes, physical and occupational therapy, and speech therapy. 

About 25% of people who have a stroke will eventually have another. With this in mind, post-stroke recovery also involves the same lifestyle changes and treatments as TIA recovery. The goal of stroke treatment is not just to restore you to full health, but to prevent you from having another stroke in the future. 

For more information, see The First Steps of the Stroke Recovery Journey.

Where can I get more information about strokes, mini-strokes, and transient ischemic attacks?

• To learn more about stroke risk factors, causes, and prevention, see Seven Tips to Recognize and Prevent a Stroke.
• For more information on stroke symptoms and warning signs, see How Do I Know If Someone’s Having a Stroke?
• To learn more about recovery immediately following a stroke, see The First Steps of the Stroke Recovery Journey.
• For longer-term resources to help stroke survivors, like government funding, support groups, and more, see Long-term Care Challenges After a Stroke.