Transient Ischemic Attack

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A transient ischemic attack is also called a TIA or a mini-stroke. A TIA happens when blood cannot flow to part of your brain. This causes loss of body functions controlled by that part of your brain. The effects of a TIA last for a few minutes to an hour, and are gone in less than 24 hours. A TIA does not cause lasting damage, but it may be a warning sign before an ischemic stroke occurs. With treatment, a stroke can be prevented, and you may be able to keep doing your usual activities.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

• Report signs of a TIA and get treatment immediately to prevent a stroke. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol (fat in the blood) increase your risk of having a TIA. If these diseases are not found and treated, you may have a stroke, heart attack, or other serious medical problems. These problems can be life-threatening.
  
  
• Without treatment, your TIA may worsen and become a full stroke. A stroke can cause damage to your brain that can be permanent. A stroke can cause you to have trouble with talking, thinking, or walking. Talk to your caregiver about these risks, your medicines, or your care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Neurologic exam:

This is also called neuro signs, neuro checks, or neuro status. A neurologic exam can show caregivers how well your brain works after an injury or illness. Caregivers will check how your pupils (black dots in the center of each eye) react to light. They may check your memory and how easily you wake up. Your hand grasp and balance may also be tested.

Oxygen:

You may need extra oxygen if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your caregiver before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.

Heart monitor:

This is also called an ECG or EKG. Sticky pads placed on your skin record your heart's electrical activity.

IV:

An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Medicines:

You may be given the following medicines:

• Blood pressure medicine: This is given to lower your blood pressure. A controlled blood pressure helps protect your organs, such as your heart, lungs, brain, and kidneys. Take your blood pressure medicine exactly as directed.
  
  
• Blood thinners: This medicine prevents clots from forming in your blood.

Tests:

Ask caregivers for more information about the tests that you need. You may need blood tests and one of more of the following tests:

• Carotid doppler: This test uses sound waves to show the blood flow in your carotid arteries. The carotid arteries are the blood vessels in your neck that carry blood to your brain. A carotid doppler test will check if there is a narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries that may lead to a stroke.
  
  
• CT scan: This test is also called a CAT scan. An x-ray and computer are used to take pictures of your skull and brain. You may be given dye, also called contrast, before the test. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to dye, iodine, or seafood.
  
  
• MRI: This scan uses powerful magnets and a computer to take pictures of your brain. It will also take pictures of the blood vessels and structures in your head. You may be given dye, also called contrast, before the test. Tell caregivers if you are allergic to dye, iodine, or seafood. Remove all jewelry, and tell caregivers if you have any metal in or on your body. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell caregivers if you cannot lie still or are anxious or afraid of closed spaces.
  
  
• Transesophageal echocardiogram:
  
  
  • A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a type of ultrasound that shows pictures of the size and shape of your heart. It also looks at how your heart moves when it is beating. These pictures are seen on a TV-like screen. You may need a TEE if your heart does not show up very well in a regular echocardiogram. You may also need a TEE to check for certain problems such as blood clots or infection inside the heart.
    
    
  • You will be given medicine to relax you during a TEE. Caregivers put a tube in your mouth that is moved down into your esophagus (food pipe). The tube has a small ultrasound sensor on the end. Since your esophagus is right next to your heart, your caregiver can see your heart clearly.

Surgery:

Blocked carotid arteries cause poor blood flow to the brain. If your arteries are blocked, you may need a carotid endarterectomy. Surgery may also be needed if the arteries in your heart are blocked. Ask your caregiver for more information if you need to have surgery.

Preventing blood clots:

You may need to take medicine to thin your blood. Blood thinning medicine helps prevent blood clots from forming in your veins. This medicine makes it easier for a person to bruise and bleed. You will need regular blood tests while taking this medicine. If you have a bleeding disorder or a history of bleeding or blood clots, tell your caregiver. Talk to your caregiver about all of the medicines that you use. Physical activity helps prevent blood clots. Caregivers will help you be as active as possible.

Know what to do after you leave:

• Keep all follow-up visits with your caregivers.
  
  
• Learn about your medicines and take them as ordered.
  
  
• Talk to your caregiver about ways to decrease your risk of another stroke:
  
  
  • Stop smoking. Do not use illegal (street) drugs.
    
    
  • Limit alcohol.
    
    
  • Eat foods low in fat, cholesterol, salt, and sugar. Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
    
    
  • Get 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, such as walking fast.
    
    
  • Reach or stay at a healthy weight.
  
  
• Call an ambulance if you have any signs of a stroke:
  
  
  • Weakness or numbness in your arm, leg, or face. This may happen on only 1 side of your body.
    
    
  • Feel too dizzy to stand.
    
    
  • Confusion, and problems speaking or understanding speech.
    
    
  • A very bad headache. This may feel like the worst headache of your life.
    
    
  • Not able to see well out of 1 or both of your eyes.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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