Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) - When To Call a Doctor

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):

• Family medicine doctor
• Neurologist
• Emergency medicine specialist
• Internist

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