The symptoms of TIA and ischemic stroke are the same. As with a stroke, the symptoms depend on the area of the brain affected. Your family member probably won't experience all of the symptoms associated with a TIA. And even if she had a TIA or stroke earlier, a second TIA might not cause the same symptoms.
Here's a list of the warning signs of a TIA or ischemic stroke. For more detailed information about stroke, see How to Tell if Your Parent Is Having a Stroke: Signs to Look Out for and What to Do. If you notice any of these signs, call 911 right away:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg -- especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden difficulty walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness
Make a note of the exact time when the symptoms began. This information can be extremely helpful to the emergency room personnel.
