Why You Should Never Ignore a Mini-Stroke (TIA)

The Healthizans 28 October 2025 2 min read

Many people experience stroke-like symptoms that disappear after a few minutes and think it’s nothing to worry about. However, that episode could be a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) — also known as a mini-stroke. While the symptoms vanish quickly, the danger doesn’t.

A TIA is your body’s urgent warning that a major stroke could follow soon — sometimes within just 48 hours. Recognising and acting on these signs could save your life.

💡 What Happens During a TIA?

A TIA occurs when a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain interrupts oxygen supply.
The symptoms usually last less than 24 hours and may include:

Facial drooping on one side
Arm weakness or numbness
Slurred or confused speech

Even if these signs clear up quickly, seek medical help immediately. Waiting it out could allow a full stroke to occur next.

For a reminder of how to identify stroke symptoms fast, check out our earlier article How Can You Spot a Stroke FAST and Act in Time?

⚠️ Why Ignoring a TIA Is Dangerous

1 in 3 people who have a TIA will suffer a major stroke later.
Half of those strokes occur within 48 hours of the warning event.

That’s why health experts stress: if in doubt, call emergency services right away.

🩺 What You Should Do After a TIA

After hospital evaluation, doctors may recommend:

Blood thinners or statins to reduce clot risk.
Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and eating heart-healthy meals.
Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks.

For long-term protection, read our follow-up article on Stroke Recovery and Prevention — it outlines practical daily steps to stay stroke-free.

🌍 NHS and WHO Insights

The NHS classifies TIAs as medical emergencies, urging patients to seek help even if symptoms disappear. Similarly, the World Health Organization reports that up to 80% of strokes are preventable through timely action and risk-factor control.