When Time Taps Us on the Shoulder: What You Should Know About TIAs

This past week, life reached out and tapped me on the shoulder—a quiet, unexpected nudge that said, pay attention.

Sometimes, those taps are small—a song you haven’t heard in years, a smile from a stranger. Other times, they land with the weight of a phone call that changes your breath.

I was halfway across the world, savoring the last golden days of a dream trip, when back home, my dad quietly had a TIA—what’s often called a “mini-stroke.” He was admitted to the hospital, and there was nothing I could have done from where I was. Knowing this, my mom—selfless and protective as ever—chose not to tell me until I had landed back in the United States. She wanted me to carry my joy all the way home, unbroken.

I learned the news while stranded between flights, my heart caught somewhere between relief that he was stable and the ache of not having been there. Flight delays left me with too much time on my hands and even more thoughts in my head. I reminded myself over and over: stress wouldn’t help him, and it wouldn’t help me either.

That moment was a stark reminder: health is precious, time is fleeting, and knowing the signs of trouble can make all the difference.

So today, I want to share what I’ve learned about TIAs. If you’ve never heard of them—or only have a vague idea—please keep reading. This might be one of the most important things you learn all week.

💡 What Is a TIA?

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) happens when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly blocked. Think of it as a warning shot—a temporary blockage that resolves on its own, usually within minutes to hours.

Unlike a full-blown stroke, a TIA doesn’t cause permanent damage. But it is not something to ignore. A TIA is your body’s way of saying: “Pay attention. We need to act now.”

🚨 Warning Signs of a TIA (They Mimic a Stroke!)

Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include:

• Numbness or weakness on one side of the body

• Slurred speech or trouble understanding others

• Sudden vision loss or double vision

• Dizziness or loss of balance

• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

The acronym BE FAST can help you remember:

• Balance – loss of coordination or dizziness

• Eyes – blurred or double vision

• Face – drooping on one side

• Arm – weakness or numbness

• Speech – slurred or hard to understand

• Time – call emergency services immediately

Even if symptoms last for a few hours, as they did with my dad, or fade within minutes, seek urgent medical care. TIAs are a medical emergency.

🔁 Are TIAs a One-Time Thing?

Sadly, no. A TIA is often the prelude to a more serious stroke—about 1 in 3 people who have a TIA will have a full stroke, many within just 48 hours. This is why immediate evaluation and treatment are critical.

💔 Are TIAs Hereditary?

There can be a hereditary link—especially if strokes or cardiovascular disease run in the family—but genetics are just one piece of the puzzle. Lifestyle choices play a powerful role in both risk and prevention.

⚖️ Risk Factors: Who’s Most Vulnerable?

TIAs are more common in people who have:

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes – Type 2 is more common and often paired with other cardiovascular risks, but those of us living with Type 1 also need to be especially mindful of long-term vascular health

• High cholesterol

• Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)

• Carotid artery disease

• Smoking history

• Poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle

• Excess alcohol intake

Age increases risk, but TIAs can happen at any age—even in those who look and feel healthy.

🛡️ Lifestyle Choices That Reduce Risk

The hopeful news? You can lower your risk—whether you’ve had a TIA or not—by making intentional, consistent choices:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet: Emphasize plant-based foods, whole grains, healthy fats, and limit processed foods and added sugars.

• Move your body: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly.

• Quit smoking: One of the single most effective steps you can take.

• Limit alcohol: Less is more for brain and heart health.

• Manage chronic conditions: Keep blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol under control.

• Prioritize rest and stress management: Both are essential to vascular and brain health.

These habits aren’t just “good ideas”—they are acts of self-preservation and self-love.

📉 Long-Term Effects of a TIA

Many people recover fully after a TIA, but some may notice:

• Lingering cognitive or memory issues

• Fatigue or emotional shifts (anxiety, depression)

• Difficulty with focus or multitasking

• Increased risk for future strokes or vascular dementia

Rehabilitation—like the physical and occupational therapy my dad is beginning—can help restore function and protect long-term health.

🧠 Mortality Rate and Prognosis

A TIA itself rarely causes death—but it can be a red flag for a future, potentially fatal stroke. With proper medical follow-up and lifestyle changes, many people live full, active lives after a TIA. The key is not ignoring the warning.

❤️ A Personal Note

When someone you love has a health scare, it changes you. It pulls you out of autopilot and reminds you—this moment is the only one guaranteed.

I’m deeply grateful my dad is home and on the road to recovery. And I’m thankful my mom gave me the gift of joy in my travels, knowing she’d share the news when I could hold it with both hands.

If someone you love is at risk—or if you are—let this be the gentle nudge to check in on your health. Learn the signs. Live like prevention matters. Because it does.

Sending you love, wellness, and the reminder that every day is a second chance.

Honey