Does statin therapy treat transient ischaemic attack?

A transient ischaemic attack causes temporary stroke-like symptoms when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly interrupted. Even if symptoms disappear, the event needs urgent medical assessment because it can signal a risk of stroke. A statin lowers harmful cholesterol and supports long-term protection of blood vessels. It is only one part of prevention: clinicians may also investigate the heart and neck arteries and manage blood pressure, diabetes, heart rhythm and other contributors.

If you have had a suspected TIA, seek urgent assessment even if your face, arm or speech has returned to normal. Take the statin and any other prescribed medicine according to the treatment plan. Bring a list of medicines and describe exactly when symptoms began, which side was affected and how long they lasted. Do not stop treatment because you feel recovered. Keep follow-up appointments for investigations and prevention planning.

Call emergency services immediately for sudden facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, confusion, vision loss, severe imbalance or a sudden severe headache. Note the time symptoms started and do not drive yourself. Symptoms that improve still require urgent attention, and symptoms that return are an emergency. Seek prompt help for severe muscle weakness or dark urine while taking a statin.

What caused my TIA, and which prevention medicines do I need? When should my cholesterol and statin treatment be reviewed? What symptoms should prompt an emergency call?