10 Signs of a Ministroke You Shouldn’t Ignore—Especially if You’re a Woman

A “ministroke,” or transient ischemic attack (TIA), may sound minor, but medical experts are urging the public to take these events seriously. TIAs occur when blood flow to the brain is temporarily interrupted, causing stroke-like symptoms that typically resolve within minutes to an hour. However, they are a critical warning sign: up to 18% of people who experience a TIA go on to have a stroke within 90 days—often within 48 hours.

“People often dismiss TIAs because the symptoms disappear, but they signal a serious underlying problem,” says Dr. Eliza C. Miller, a neurologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “This is your brain’s alarm bell. You need to act.”

What Are the Symptoms of a Ministroke?

TIAs cause symptoms nearly identical to those of a stroke, though they tend to resolve more quickly.

The signs depend on which area of the brain is affected, but common symptoms include:

• Facial drooping: One side of the face may sag or become expressionless.

• Sudden weakness or numbness: Typically on one side of the body, affecting the arm, leg, or face.

• Slurred speech or difficulty speaking.

• Vision problems: Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or visual field loss.

• Sudden, severe headache.

• Vertigo or loss of balance.

TIAs often leave no visible signs on brain scans, but recent studies suggest they may still cause longer-term effects such as cognitive decline or fatigue lasting up to a year.

Are Women Affected Differently?

Research shows women are more likely to be misdiagnosed or undertreated for stroke and TIA.

While most TIA symptoms are shared across sexes, women may be more likely to report non-specific symptoms like:

• Confusion

• Fatigue

• General weakness

• Nausea

This can lead to misinterpretation by healthcare providers. “Unconscious bias may play a role,” says Dr. Jakita Baldwin, a neurologist at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. “Symptoms described by women are sometimes dismissed or attributed to other causes like migraines.”

Women also face unique risk factors, including complications during pregnancy, use of hormonal contraceptives, premature menopause, and a higher prevalence of migraine with aura—all of which are linked to increased stroke risk.

What Should You Do If You Suspect a TIA?

If you experience any stroke-like symptoms, call emergency services immediately—even if symptoms resolve. “You can’t tell whether it’s a ministroke or a full stroke while it’s happening,” says Dr. Mollie McDermott of Michigan Medicine. “Delaying care can be dangerous.”

Arriving by ambulance ensures faster access to stroke teams and diagnostic tests. Even after symptoms subside, a full workup is essential to identify the cause and prevent recurrence. Tests may include brain imaging, heart monitoring, and blood work.

Doctors also use the ABCD2 score to estimate your risk of a subsequent stroke and decide whether hospital admission is needed.

Treatment often includes low-dose aspirin and medications to manage cholesterol, blood pressure, or other underlying conditions.

The Takeaway

Recognising and responding to ministroke symptoms can prevent permanent damage—and potentially save your life. For women, in particular, understanding the signs and advocating for proper medical evaluation is crucial.

As Dr. Baldwin notes, “A TIA is a second chance—don’t miss it.”