Sudden, severe headaches should never be ignored. Particularly in the elderly, they could be a sign of a mini stroke. While there could be other explanations for these headaches, such as migraines or tension headaches, when they come on when this person never had them before, this is usually not a good sign. These headaches could also be accompanied by other symptoms such as vision changes, confusion, or weakness, again signaling a potential mini stroke.
7. Difficulty Swallowing
Finally, a little-known symptom of a mini stroke is difficulty swallowing. This is also known as dysphagia. This symptom is often overlooked or attributed to other causes, but when experienced suddenly and in combination with other signs such as weakness or numbness, it could be a mini stroke. Any unexpected issues with swallowing should be promptly assessed by a healthcare professional to rule out stroke and any other serious conditions.
The Bottom Line
