2. Numbness or weakness in the limbs
Many people who suffer from a mini stroke can experience numbness or weakness in the limbs. One of the limbs, such as an arm, may be affected, or both limbs (the arm and leg) on one side of the body can be affected. A mini stroke temporarily cuts off the blood supply to the brain. Since the brain sends signals to the muscles via the nerves, and those signals tell the limbs to move, it is not unusual for a mini stroke to cause muscle numbness or weakness.
A patient who suffers a mini stroke may find that something that would usually not be difficult to pick up is extremely difficult or impossible. Or, they may find that their balance is off. The numbness and weakness that can develop in the limbs can completely impact the way that your body moves. Typically, after a mini stroke, the change in movement are minor; however, if a patient suffers several mini strokes or goes on to have a full stroke, paralysis can result.