TIA: Transient Ischemic Attack

TIA: Transient Ischemic Attack

Disclaimer This is general information developed by The Ottawa Hospital. It is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified health-care provider. Please consult your own personal physician who will be able to determine the appropriateness of the information for your specific situation You have been referred to the Regional Stroke Prevention Clinic Telephone number: 613-798-5555 extension 16156 Location: The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus 1053 Carling Avenue C2 Neurosciences Clinic What is a TIA? The medical term is Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). Many people call it a ministroke. It happens when a clot stops blood from flowing to the brain for a short time. Having a TIA is an important warning sign that you should never ignore. A TIA is a medical emergency. If you have had a TIA, your risk of having a stroke is much higher. The symptoms of TIA are almost the same symptoms of a stroke except they go away after a few minutes or hours. If you have any of these symptoms, even lasting a couple of minutes CALL 911 immediately

Even when your TIA symptoms go away, you need to find out what you can do to reduce your risk of stroke. Just like chest pain is a warning of a heart attack, a TIA is a warning of a brain attack. What you can do The doctor will also give you medications to help you prevent a stroke. It is very important that you take your medications as ordered. These medications are called anti-platelets. They help to prevent your blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots. The most commonly prescribed anti-platelets are: Aspirin ASA ou acetylsalicylic acid. (coated) 81 mg Take one pill a day, every day Aggrenox Each capsule contains two active ingredients - aspirin (25 mg) and dipyridamole slow release (200 mg) Take one capsule, twice a day, every day (morning and evening) Take Aggrenox with a glass of water or with food if you experience stomach upset It is possible that this medication can cause headaches when first started, do not hesitate to take tylenol as needed Plavix Or clopidogrel Each tablet contains 75 mg of clopidogrel Take one tablet, once a day, every day To reduce stomach discomfort, this medication is best taken with a meal It is important to do certain tests to determine the cause of your TIA and what may have blocked circulation to your brain. These tests will help your doctor determine the best way to prevent a stroke.

Here is a list of tests that may be organized for you: Computerized Tomography (CT scan) Series of radiographic pictures of the brain Carotid Doppler Ultrasound of the arteries of the neck Echocardiogram Ultrasound of the heart Holter Monitor Portable monitor that measures the electrical activity of your heart for a period of 24-48 hours Fasting Blood Tests To determine blood levels of cholesterol and sugar TEST/APPOINTMENT Date/Time Location CT scan Civic Campus - 1 st Floor, Radiology Department. Take C elevators to the first floor and follow signs to Radiology Carotid Doppler Echocardiogram Blood Tests (Fasting** ) The night before your test, do not eat anything after 8PM or drink anything after midnight. You may take your morning medications with a small sip of water Holter Monitor This test is not always required, this will be decided by the physician No Appointment Required Civic Campus Main Floor, Emergency Radiology Registration Desk (go through the green double doors, across the hallway from the cafeteria) Civic Campus Main Floor, Emergency Radiology Registration Desk (go through the green double doors, across the hallway from the cafeteria) Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus, Parkdale Clinic 737 Parkdale ave, Main floor (south) Hours of operation 7:15 15:45 A requisition for your blood tests will be waiting for you at the laboratory. University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin ave, Cardiac Diagnostic Centre, HI

Stroke Clinic Visit with Stroke Neurologist The Stroke Neurologist and a Nurse Specialist will meet with you to discuss your test results and develop a plan with you to reduce your risk of stroke in the future. Dr. Civic Campus, 2 nd Floor : C2 Neuroscience Clinic ( Take C elevators and go to the 2nd Floor, follow signs to C2-Neuroscience Clinic ) Please bring a copy of your medication list including name, dose and how often you take your pills, or bring your medication bottles. Please bring your: o OHIP card o Green Hospital Card (***If you do not have one you will need to have one made for you at the registration desk) o List of all current medications, or bring your medication bottles o Please bring any tests results/cd relevant to this appointment with you for review by the Stroke Neurologist Do NOT DRIVE until advised by your physician Knowing your stroke risk factors is an important step in preventing a stroke. We will help you find out your risk factors. Some common risk factors for TIA and stroke include: High blood pressure Inactivity Smoking Alcohol/drug abuse High cholesterol Diabetes Obesity Heart Disease

You can take steps to help reduce your risk of a stroke by talking to your doctor and making changes to your lifestyle. Some changes include: Stopping smoking Achieving a healthy blood pressure: have it measured regularly Eating a balanced diet Keeping a healthy weight Increasing activity Talk to your doctor about your risk and make a plan to prevent stroke!