Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Introduction

You have been given this leaflet because you attended the Transient Ischemic Attack clinic.

What happens after the Transient Ischemic Attack clinic?

Once you have attended the Transient Ischemic Attack clinic you will be invited to an education session to discuss how to reduce your risk of having another Transient Ischemic Attack or Stroke.

What are the advantages of attending the Transient Ischemic Attack education sessions?

Attending the Transient Education sessions will give you and your family the opportunity to understand what a Transient Ischemic Attack is and what you can do to reduce your risk of having another one, and the signs and symptoms of a Transient Ischemic Attack or Stroke.

What are the associated risks?

There is no risk to attending the Transient Ischemic Attack education session.

Are there any alternative information sources?

The alternative information sources are in the further information section.

What is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

A Transient Ischemic Attack or “mini stroke” is caused by a temporary disruption in the blood supply to part of the brain.

The disruption in blood supply results in a lack of oxygen to the brain.

This can cause sudden symptoms similar to a stroke, such as:

• Speech disturbance.
• Visual disturbance.
• Numbness or weakness in the face, arms and legs.

BUT a Transient Ischemic Attack does not last as long as a stroke.

The effects last a few minutes to a few hours and fully resolve within 24 hours.

This can cause sudden symptoms similar to a stroke, such as speech and visual disturbance, and numbness or weakness in the face, arms and legs. But a TIA does not last as long as a stroke.

The effects last a few minutes to a few hours and fully resolve within 24 hours.

What are the signs and symptoms of a TIA?

• Facial Weakness – can the person smile, has the mouth or eyelid drooped?
• Arm – can the person speak clearly and understand what you say?
• If any of these signs and symptoms are present its Time – to call 999.

But…there are other signs and symptoms that affect:

• Balance – can you keep your balance and coordinate your movements?
• Eyes – has your vision been affected?

Remember…it can be one or more of the above symptoms.

Why is it important to know the signs of a Transient Ischemic Attack and act and BE FAST?

• If you have had a Transient Ischemic Attack you are at increased risk of having a stroke in the future.
• If a Transient Ischemic Attack is left untreated there is a higher risk of having a stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack in the future.
• Getting the right treatment can reduce the risk of Transient Ischemic Attacks.

Seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms of a Transient Ischemic Attack.

What can increase your risk of having a Transient Ischemic Attack?

• Smoking.
• Drinking high amounts of alcohol.
• Diet high in fat and processed food.
• High Blood pressure.
• Obesity.
• Age.
• Low levels of physical activity.

What reduces the risk of a Transient Ischemic Attack?

• Seek medical help immediately if you experience any signs and symptoms of a TIA.
• Get your blood pressure checked.
• Stop smoking.
• Increase your activity levels.
• Make healthy food choices.
• Reduce alcohol intake.
• Take the medication prescribed by your consultant or GP.
• Encourage family and friend to get a health check from their GP if you/they are between 40 to 74 years.

Associated leaflets

https://www.stroke.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/transient_ischaemic_stroke_guide.pdf

https://www.stroke.org.uk/sites/deafult/files/publications/how_to_reduce_your_risk_of_a_stroke_guide.pdf

https://www.stroke.org.uk/sites/default/files/jn_2223-346_-_fast_-_phe_-_a5_info_guide.pdf

Contact numbers

Telephone: 01429 522 500

Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 5:00pm

If you have any worries or concerns you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours. Outside surgery hours, you should contact your GP’s surgery for the Out of Hours Service number.

NHS Choices

Telephone: 111 (when it is less urgent than 999)

Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones or via the website at www.nhs.uk

Further National and local Information and Services

Stroke Association

Stroke association help line can help and support and get you in contact with local stroke coordinators after having a Transient ischemic attack        https://www.stroke.org.uk/finding-support/stroke-helpline

Stroke Helpline: 03033033100

Before and after a stroke – North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust (nth.nhs.uk)

Making Every Contact Count

Digital guide to locally available services: https://www.meccgateway.co.uk/nenc

Smoking cessation

Stockton specialist stop smoking service: 01642 383 819

Hartlepool:  [email protected] or 01429 272 905

County Durham: 0800 7720 565 or Text: 62277

Alcohol support

Stockton change grow live: 01642 625 980

Drug and alcohol recovery services: 01642 673 888

Hartlepool supporting treatment and recovery together: 01429 285 000

County Durham:  0300 266 666

Services to support with Physical activity and Healthy lifestyle

NHS live well: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/

Services to support and maintain independence at home

Hartlepool social care to access care support

https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/homepage/15/adult_social_care: 01429 523 390

https://www.hartlepoolnow.co.uk/

Stockton social care to access care support

https://www.stockton.gov.uk/health-and-social-care: 01642 527 764

https://www.stockton.gov.uk/

Social Care Direct – Durham County Council

https://www.durham.gov.uk/socialcaredirect: 03000 267 979 or Text: 07537 453 102

https://www.wellbeingforlife.net/: 0800 876 6887

Support lines for mental health support

24 hour crisis helpline for people in the Tees, Esk & Wear Valley (TEWV) area, which is County Durham, Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, Selby and York): 0800 051 6171

References

https://www.stroke.org.uk/

https://www.stroke.org.uk/what-is-stroke/types-of-stroke/transient-ischaemic-attack

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]