That may represent a TIA.
A TIA does not usually cause permanent brain injury, but it is a serious warning event. The American Stroke Association notes that many subsequent cardiovascular events occur within days or weeks after a TIA.
Remember B.E. F.A.S.T.
A useful way to remember the major warning signs is:
B – Balance: sudden loss of balance
E – Eyes: sudden vision changes
F – Face: one side droops
A – Arm: sudden weakness or numbness
S – Speech: slurred or unusual speech
T – Time: seek emergency help immediately
These symptoms should be treated as an emergency even when they disappear.
Why Waiting Can Be Dangerous
During a stroke, brain cells can begin to die within minutes because blood flow has been interrupted or bleeding has occurred.
Some treatments for ischemic stroke work best when given as quickly as possible. Eligible patients may receive clot-dissolving treatment within a limited treatment window, while certain patients with large-vessel blockages may be candidates for mechanical clot removal.
