The American Stroke Association identifies high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and smoking among major TIA and stroke risk factors.
Managing these risks can significantly reduce the chance of future stroke.
## When to Seek Emergency Help
Call emergency medical services immediately if someone suddenly develops:
* Facial drooping
* One-sided weakness or numbness
* Speech problems
* Vision loss
* Severe balance problems
* Confusion
* A sudden unexplained severe headache
Do this **even if the symptoms improve after only a few minutes**.
Do not wait for another episode.
## The Bottom Line
Mini-strokes often go unnoticed because their symptoms can disappear rapidly.
But sudden **weakness, numbness, facial drooping, speech difficulty, vision changes, dizziness, loss of balance, confusion, or an unusual severe headache** can all be warning signs of a TIA or stroke.
A TIA is not something to monitor at home and hope does not return.
If stroke-like symptoms occur, remember **B.E. F.A.S.T.** and seek emergency medical care immediately—even when the person seems completely recovered afterward.
