What Really Causes Aphasia?

10. Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)

If you suddenly have trouble speaking, reading, or understanding someone—and then it clears up on its own—it might not be stress or fatigue. It could be a warning sign.

TIAs, sometimes called “mini-strokes,” happen when blood flow to part of your brain gets temporarily blocked. The symptoms look a lot like a stroke, including slurred speech or confusion, but they usually disappear within minutes or hours.

Even though they’re brief, TIAs still affect the areas of the brain responsible for language. And more importantly, they’re often a red flag that a more serious stroke could be coming. If you or someone close to you experiences one, it’s worth treating like an emergency.