Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Transient Ischemic Attack Treatment
Call 911 if the person has any of the following symptoms :
Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or legs -- especially on just one side of the body
Slurred or unusual speech
Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Trouble walking, dizziness, or balance problems
Sudden confusion
Severe headache
1. Note Time When Symptoms First Appeared
Tell emergency personnel when you first noticed symptoms.
If person is having a stroke instead of a TIA, there is a medicine that may reduce long-term effects if given within three hours of the first symptom appearing.
2. Follow Up
At the hospital, a doctor will examine the person and run tests to confirm TIA. Tests may include an MRI or a CT scan.
Treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes, and possibly surgery to reduce the risk of stroke.
WebMD Medical Reference
SOURCES:
American Stroke Association: "TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)."
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: "NINDS Transient Ischemic Attack Information Page."
Cedars-Sinai: "Transient Ischemic Attack."
Solenski, N. American Family Physician, April 1, 2004.