Mini-stroke vs. stroke: What's the difference?

A typical stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is obstructed, leading to death of brain cells (infarction) in the affected area. This results in some degree of permanent disability. "Mini-stroke" is not a medical term but most often refers to a transient ischemic attack (TIA), a temporary interruption of blood flow to part of the brain that destroys no brain cells and causes no permanent disability. So "mini-stroke" is a misnomer.

The symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke but resolve after a brief period — several minutes to several hours. However, a TIA increases your risk of a subsequent stroke. About one-third of those who have a TIA will eventually have a stroke. For this reason, it is important to recognize a TIA and seek urgent medical attention so that appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment can be given to prevent a stroke.