Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) clinic
What may have caused my symptoms?
Possibly a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA): this can take place because of a temporary blockage in a blood vessel in a part of the brain.
This can be similar to a stroke with symptoms such as weakness, numbness, talking problems or trouble with your vision.
TIA is different as it only lasts between a few minutes to a few hours.
There are other possible causes for these type of symptoms and over half of the people attending the clinic turn out not to have a TIA.
Why is an urgent appointment with a stroke specialist so important?
About one in ten people who have a TIA develop a stroke within the next week but we can greatly reduce this with the right treatment.
The right medication can reduce your chance of a stroke, as can changes to your diet and exercise. Rarely an operation may be useful. We will discuss all this when you see us in clinic.
What may we need to do? (each case is different – you may not need all these investigations)
- A blood pressure check
- A heart recording (ECG)
- A scan of the arteries in your neck
- A brain scan
- A blood test
- A consultation with a stroke specialist - this may be a consultant, registrar or an advanced nurse practitioner for stroke
You can expect to be at the clinic for 3-4 hours.
What happens now?
The clinician who initially diagnosed you may give you medication to take. You need to take this each day until you are seen in our clinic.
There are clinics at Bristol Royal Infirmary and Weston General Hospital and weekend clinics at Southmead Hospital. If you are told to attend a TIA clinic, the TIA co-ordinator will tell you which clinic to attend.
Every day, the stroke specialist on duty will review all new referrals. If we decide that we need to see you urgently over the weekend or at a bank holiday, the co-ordinator of the TIA Service will phone you on the day tell you what time to come to the unit.
Otherwise, the TIA co-ordinator will be in touch on the next working day to arrange an appointment for you to come in. In some cases, the appointment will be a telephone consultation only. The appointment will usually be on the same day. If you have not heard from us within two working days, please ring the TIA co-ordinator on 0117 342 4800.
What do I need to bring?
Please bring a list of all the prescribed tablets you take – this is very important. If there are other tablets you buy over the counter, please tell us about these. If possible, it will be helpful for the person who witnessed you having your symptoms to come to the appointment as well.
There is a Costa Coffee, a small shop and a League of Friend’s coffee shop on Level 1 of the Brunel building where you can purchase refreshments. Alternatively, you may want to bring your own provisions.
What about driving?
It is not safe or legal for you to drive until you have been seen in clinic. We will discuss any possible further driving restrictions related to your diagnosis with you in the clinic.
What if I have further symptoms before the specialist appointment?
If you think you are having a stroke, don’t wait – call 999!