Stroke and TIA
Last updated: 10 Dec. 2025
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the Elfcare quality team
Have you ever felt your face suddenly droop on one side, or noticed that your speech becomes unclear for a few minutes before returning to normal? Many people brush off these moments, but they can be your brain’s way of asking for help.
A stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a mini-stroke, happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. Even short interruptions can cause symptoms that come and go quickly, making them easy to ignore. But these episodes offer valuable clues – your body is signaling an imbalance that can be detected early.
Through simple blood tests and regular health checks, you can monitor key factors that affect your brain’s circulation and reduce your risk. Elfcare’s preventive approach focuses on early insight, helping you understand your body before problems progress.
Book your consultation now to test your health
What is a stroke or TIA?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts, cutting off oxygen supply. Without enough oxygen, brain cells start to lose function.
A TIA (transient ischemic attack) is similar but temporary. It happens when the blockage clears quickly, so symptoms disappear within minutes or hours. Still, a TIA is a strong warning sign that a full stroke could occur later if underlying causes are not addressed.
In both cases, blood flow and vessel health play key roles. Factors like cholesterol buildup, high blood pressure, or clotting issues can interfere with smooth circulation. That’s why monitoring these through regular testing is essential for long-term brain health.
Symptoms of a stroke or TIA
Common stroke or TIA symptoms appear suddenly and may include:
Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
Trouble speaking or understanding words
Blurred or double vision
Dizziness or loss of balance
Severe headache with no clear cause
Less common or subtle signs can include brief confusion, temporary vision loss, or tingling that passes quickly. Because symptoms can vanish fast after a TIA, many people dismiss them.
That’s why testing is so important; it helps confirm what your body may be trying to tell you.
What causes a stroke or TIA?
Strokes and TIAs develop from several overlapping factors:
Atherosclerosis: fatty deposits narrow the arteries supplying blood to the brain.
High blood pressure: long-term strain damages vessel walls.
Blood clotting issues: increased tendency to form clots that can block circulation.
High cholesterol: leads to plaque buildup and poor blood flow.
Diabetes and insulin resistance: affect both blood vessels and circulation.
Lifestyle habits: smoking, lack of activity, high-sodium diets, and unmanaged stress increase risk over time.
Age, family history, and certain heart conditions also raise susceptibility. Recognizing these factors early helps in maintaining vascular balance and brain health.
How is stroke or TIA detected?
Diagnosis in hospitals often involves imaging, but early risk detection starts with blood biomarkers that reflect vessel and clotting health:
Lipid profile: measures cholesterol and triglycerides that affect artery flexibility.
Blood pressure and electrolytes: indicate how well your heart and vessels are functioning.
Blood sugar (HbA1c, fasting glucose): shows how glucose control impacts circulation.
Homocysteine: elevated levels can damage blood vessels and raise stroke risk.
Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR): detect low-grade inflammation linked to arterial plaque buildup.
Elfcare’s health checks includes imaging and these biomarkers, allowing you to see early signs of imbalance and take steps before symptoms arise. When these results are viewed together, they provide a clear picture of how well your brain is functioning.
Elfcare’s blood test package includes these key biomarkers as part of a broader analysis of 70+ health markers, helping you identify early imbalances before they affect your energy, sleep or focus. You can book our blood package here.
For a deeper view of your health, discover Elfcare’s Full-Body Health Check – a comprehensive assessment that combines MRI imaging, advanced blood testing, and personal consultations with specialist doctors for a complete overview of your health.
Why early detection matters
Most vascular changes that lead to stroke happen silently over years. Small increases in cholesterol or blood pressure can slowly narrow arteries long before noticeable symptoms appear.
Early testing means you can act when it’s easiest – adjusting diet, managing stress, or following up with your doctor for guidance. These steps help maintain energy, focus, and clear thinking while supporting long-term brain function.
Elfcare’s preventive health checks measure key markers like cholesterol, HbA1c, CRP, and homocysteine, giving you a clear picture of your vascular and metabolic health. The platform helps you track results over time, so you can notice patterns early and make informed choices.
Elfcare’s goal is awareness, not diagnosis. Understanding your body’s early signals empowers you to work with your healthcare provider confidently.
Curious about your brain and heart health? Elfcare’s tests help you understand how your circulation and metabolism are connected, so you can act early and maintain balance. You can book Elfcare’s comprehensive blood package here.
But the brain is only one part of a much larger system.
For a complete view of your health, go beyond blood testing with Elfcare’s Full-Body Health Check. This comprehensive assessment includes MRI imaging, analysis of 70+ biomarkers, and a personal review with one of our specialist doctors.
It’s the most thorough way to understand how your body is functioning and help you take proactive steps for long-term wellbeing.
How Elfcare can help
Summary
Stroke and TIA are not sudden events. They often begin with small, hidden imbalances that grow over time. Regular blood checks make these changes visible, long before they become serious.
By staying aware and proactive, you can protect your brain health and overall vitality. When you understand your body, you can make choices that support your energy, focus, and long-term health.
Not sure what test is right for you? Speak with one of our specialists for personal guidance.
Last updated: 10 Dec. 2025
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the quality team at Elfcare
FAQs
What is a stroke and TIA?
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts, causing brain cell damage and loss of function. A TIA, or “mini-stroke,” is caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, with stroke-like symptoms that resolve within hours.
Common symptoms include sudden face drooping, arm or leg weakness, speech difficulty, vision problems, dizziness, and severe headache with no known cause.
What are common symptoms of a stroke and TIA?
How is are stroke and TIA diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves urgent clinical assessment, brain imaging such as CT or MRI scans, and blood tests to identify the cause.
Can stroke and TIA be treated or improved?
Stroke and TIA are medical emergencies, but early treatment can restore blood flow, reduce brain damage, and improve recovery with medicines and rehabilitation.