Mini-stroke is another name for a transient ischemic attack (TIA). The term  mini-stroke  refers to a transient ischemic attack (TIA for short). In a mini-stroke, there is a short-term interruption in blood flow to the brain. This causes temporary stroke symptoms (often just for a few minutes), such as weakness or tingling in an arm or leg. Mini-strokes do not cause brain damage, but they are important warning signs that a person is at risk of having a stroke.