When is GP consultation recommended for transient ischaemic attack?

A transient ischaemic attack, sometimes called a mini-stroke, can cause sudden neurological symptoms that settle. The symptoms may include facial drooping, weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty speaking, loss of vision or sudden imbalance. It is not possible to safely identify a TIA at home, and symptoms that disappear still need assessment because they can signal a risk of a more serious stroke.

If symptoms are happening now or have just happened, call emergency services and do not drive yourself. Note the time the symptoms started, when they stopped, which body parts were affected and any medicines you take. Keep a record of relevant medical conditions, but do not delay emergency contact while searching for information or arranging a routine GP appointment.

Call emergency services immediately for sudden weakness, numbness, facial asymmetry, speech or understanding difficulty, new vision loss, severe dizziness, collapse or loss of coordination. Treat symptoms as urgent even if they improve within minutes. A routine appointment is not an appropriate substitute for emergency assessment of these signs.

After urgent assessment, ask what may have caused the episode, which tests and specialist reviews are needed, how to reduce future stroke risk, and which symptoms should trigger another emergency call.