TIA

Your symptoms may have been caused by a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) 

Symptoms can include: 

• Arm or leg weakness 

• Difficulty thinking of words, speaking and understanding others 

• Sudden onset of difficulty with vision or balance 

URGENT 

You need to be seen by a specialist 

If left untreated, there is a high risk of stroke following TIA, sometimes as high as 1 person in 8 the following week. 

The risk can be greatly reduced through timely assessment and treatment. 

It is important to know:

• It is not safe for you to drive until you have received advice from the specialist. 

• If you were with a friend or family member when you had your TIA, please ask them to accompany you to the Clinic. 

• If you are already on medication, you should carry on taking this and bring a list of these with you to the clinic. 

What happens next? 

Your doctor will give you aspirin (or a similar medication if you are allergic to aspirin) straight away and will arrange a supply for you to continue until you attend the TIA clinic. 

What is a TIA? 

A TIA is sometimes described as a 'mini stroke', which may occur due to a blockage to the blood flow to a small part of the brain. 

The symptoms can be similar to those of a stroke but they last from a few minutes up to 24 hours. 

You have been referred to a TIA clinic and should be contacted by telephone within the next 2 working days. 

It is important that you provide your doctor with an up to date telephone number (mobile number is possible) and that you are available to be contacted. Please be aware, the hospital telephone number will show up as an 0800 number. 

Although the appointment may not be at your nearest hospital, it is very important that you attend the first appointment available to you even if it means travelling further afield. 

Transport will not be arranged by A&E, you will need to arrange your own. 

Please ring 999 if you have the same symptoms, or similar symptoms, before your appointment. 

If you do not hear from the hospital about an appointment within a few days please telephone: 

01592 643355 Ext 23975.