What is the first treatment for a transient ischaemic attack?

A transient ischaemic attack, sometimes called a TIA or mini-stroke, can cause stroke-like symptoms that settle. The symptoms still need prompt assessment because the underlying blood vessel problem may remain. A clinician reviews the timing and pattern of symptoms, checks blood pressure and other risk factors, and decides whether further tests or same-day specialist care are needed.

Blood pressure medication may be started or adjusted when high blood pressure contributes to risk. Statin therapy may be recommended to help lower cholesterol and protect blood vessels. These medicines address future risk; they do not replace urgent assessment or treatment of new neurological symptoms.

If symptoms have happened recently, seek urgent medical care even if they have completely cleared. Record when the symptoms began, how long they lasted, and whether there was weakness, facial drooping, speech trouble, vision change, or loss of balance. Take a current medicine list and mention smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or previous vascular problems.

Do not start, stop, or share blood pressure or cholesterol medicine without medical advice. A GP consultation can help coordinate assessment, medication review, and follow-up with the appropriate specialist.

Call emergency services immediately for new or returning facial drooping, one-sided weakness or numbness, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden vision loss, severe imbalance, or a sudden severe headache. Do this even if the symptom improves while you are waiting. Do not drive yourself; note the exact time the symptom started.

Ask which tests are needed, whether your blood pressure or cholesterol treatment should change, how soon follow-up should occur, and which symptoms mean you should call emergency services.