Common TIA Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms may last a few minutes or up to a couple of hours and include:

Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side

Slurred speech or difficulty understanding others

Blurred or double vision

Dizziness, loss of balance, or unsteady walking

A sudden severe headache (less common)

Important: These symptoms may disappear quickly, but that doesn’t mean you’re safe. If you or someone around you experiences them, call emergency services immediately.

Getting Diagnosed After a TIA
If you’re over 40 and experience symptoms—even if they go away—you’ll likely undergo:

MRI or CT scan to check for signs of a stroke

Blood tests to evaluate cholesterol, glucose, and clotting

Heart tests (ECG or Holter monitor) to check for arrhythmias

Carotid ultrasound to look for artery narrowing

How to Prevent a Stroke After a TIA

Your 40s are a perfect time to pivot toward prevention. After a TIA, your doctor may recommend:

Medication

Aspirin or other blood thinners

Statins for cholesterol

Blood pressure control

Diabetes management

Lifestyle Changes

Adopt a heart-healthy diet (e.g., Mediterranean or DASH)

Get 30 minutes of exercise most days

Quit smoking and avoid excessive alcohol

Manage stress and get quality sleep

Regular Monitoring

Keep up with check-ups, especially for blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose

Monitor for atrial fibrillation, which becomes more common with age

A Real-Life Example
A 45-year-old woman experiences sudden trouble speaking and a weak arm. It lasts 10 minutes and disappears. She almost ignores it, but decides to visit the ER “just in case.” Doctors diagnose her with a TIA, discover untreated high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and start her on a treatment plan.

That decision likely prevented a future stroke.

Don’t Dismiss the Signs After 40
Your 40s are a time of transition—professionally, personally, and physically. A mini stroke might seem like a fluke or “just a weird moment,” but it’s your brain warning you that your blood vessels are under pressure.

The good news? It’s preventable. With the right steps—awareness, medical care, and lifestyle adjustments—you can protect your brain and stay strong well into your later years.