First came the TIA, a mini-stroke, caused by a blocked carotid artery.
A day later, Tony suffered a full-blown stroke.
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. People experiencing this condition are at risk for a severe stroke that can strike at any time. Henry Ford Health maintains the highest standards for stroke prevention and emergency evaluation. Our commitment to excellence helps lower your risk so you can get back to your busy life.
A day later, Tony suffered a full-blown stroke.
TIA symptoms include:
If you suspect someone is having a stroke, follow the National Stroke Association’s recommendations and think F.A.S.T.:
Studies show stroke patients who arrive at the hospital by ambulance receive faster treatment than those arriving on their own.
Risk factors for transient ischemic attack include:
TIA is sometimes referred to as a mini-stroke, but it’s more accurate to call it a warning stroke because it’s a sign that you need immediate medical care. TIA symptoms can come on suddenly, causing the brain to go without oxygen for a short time. There’s typically no permanent damage with TIA like there can be with a more severe stroke.
Even if TIA symptoms go away, you should seek emergency care as quickly as possible, because:
Henry Ford has the most fellowship-trained stroke neurologists in southeast Michigan. This level of training helps us accurately determine whether you are experiencing TIA, a stroke or some other neurological condition. We are available 24 hours a day. Get more information about acute stroke services.
Our complete approach to TIA care includes follow-up services from Henry Ford stroke experts in our stroke and cerebrovascular occlusion clinic. A detailed assessment helps us determine your future stroke risk and medical conditions or lifestyle factors contributing to it. We then develop a plan to lower your risk. Find out more about stroke prevention.
TIA evaluation often includes imaging tests. We use advanced imaging technology to rapidly produce high-resolution images of your brain and its arteries and veins. This information helps us pinpoint blocked or partially blocked arteries with precision, so you receive appropriate care.
If you are experiencing a stroke or if a partial blockage is about to cause a stroke, we start treatment immediately. Your care may include a clot-busting drug, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). This drug is only effective if you receive it within 4.5 hours of when symptoms begin.
For severe blockages, or if it’s too late to start tPA, you still have options. You may be eligible for a minimally invasive procedure. Specialists use long thin tubes inserted in your groin to access and remove the brain blockage.
The preventive services that are best for you depend on your stroke risk factors. We may recommend:
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