Does a GP consultation treat a transient ischaemic attack?

A transient ischaemic attack, sometimes called a mini-stroke, happens when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly interrupted. Symptoms can include sudden weakness or numbness on one side, facial drooping, speech trouble, vision change, dizziness or difficulty walking. Symptoms may clear, but that does not make the event harmless. A clinician needs to assess what happened, consider other causes and arrange tests and specialist input where needed. The aim is to identify treatable risks and reduce the chance of a future stroke.

If symptoms are happening now or have just stopped, call emergency services rather than arranging a routine GP appointment or driving yourself. Note the time symptoms began, what changed and when it improved. Take a list of medicines and relevant medical conditions if this is safe to do. After urgent assessment, a GP may support follow-up, explain prescribed prevention medicines and help monitor blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, heart rhythm or smoking-related risks. Do not start, stop or share medicines without medical advice. Read more about [Transient Ischaemic Attack](/conditions/transient-ischaemic-attack/) and [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/).

Call emergency services immediately for sudden facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, new speech difficulty, loss of vision, severe imbalance or confusion, even if the person feels better now. Keep the person safe, note the symptom onset and do not give food or drink if swallowing is unsafe. Do not wait to see whether symptoms return. A first episode and a repeat episode both require urgent evaluation.

Ask: What tests are needed to find the cause? Which warning symptoms should trigger emergency help? What do my medicines prevent? When should blood pressure or other risk factors be reviewed? Who is arranging specialist follow-up?