Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
When To Call a Doctor
Call 911 or other emergency services immediately if you have:
- Sudden numbness, tingling, or weakness in or an inability to move part or all of one side of your body, such as your face, arm, and leg.
- Brief vision changes that come on suddenly, such as dimness, blurring, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes (usually described as a feeling that a shade is being pulled down over your eyes).
- Sudden difficulty speaking.
- Sudden difficulty understanding words.
- Sudden dizziness, clumsiness, staggering, trouble walking, or a drop attack.
- Sudden, severe headache that is different from previous headaches and is without a known cause.
Call your doctor immediately if you have:
- Recently had symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), and the symptoms have completely disappeared.
- Had a TIA or stroke while taking aspirin or other medicine that prevents blood clots, and you notice any signs of bleeding.
Call your doctor today if you think you have had a TIA in the past and have not yet talked with your doctor about your symptoms.
Watchful Waiting
Taking a wait-and-see approach, called watchful waiting, is not appropriate if you are having symptoms of a TIA. Any symptoms of a TIA need to be considered a medical emergency. Seek medical assistance immediately.
Who To See
The following doctors can diagnose and treat a transient ischemic attack (TIA):
Other specialist(s) may be consulted if you need surgery or have other health problems:
- Neurosurgeon
- Cardiologist
- Vascular surgeon (one who specializes in surgery of the blood vessels)
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
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| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: February 26, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology | |
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