TIA is a medical emergency - anyone suffering a suspected TIA should see a doctor immediately.
You will be asked questions about the type and onset of your symptoms. Most people need to attend the Stroke consultant TIA clinics for specialist assessment. Clinics are held daily on weekdays at either Frenchay or Southmead Hospital and you will usually be seen within a few days of your TIA. At the weekend, high priority patients are seen on the Acute Stroke Unit.
If you have had a complex or severe TIA you will be admitted to the Acute Stroke Unit for your treatment.
The TIA clinic is organised by the TIA coordinator, who will contact you to book your clinic appointment. You will attend the clinic for a day and have all the necessary investigations for the doctor to make a full diagnosis.
Investigations usually include:
- Blood pressure testing
- Blood tests for cholesterol and diabetes
- ECG test
- Carotid doppler studies
- You may need a CT scan or MRI scan
- You may need an echocardiogram or 24 hour tape
Once your tests have been carried out, the doctor will take a detailed history of what happened and do a physical examination. You will be started on the correct treatment for you and the doctor will then make recommendations to your GP regarding your future treatment.
Usual treatment is medication to control your blood pressure, your cholesterol and to stop blood clots from forming.
Contact TIA Clinic
Telephone: 0117 4144405
Email: TIAReferrals@nbt.nhs.uk