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Warning-sign checks

Transient ischemic attack: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services immediately for any new, sudden stroke-like symptom, including facial drooping, one-sided weakness, speech difficulty, vision loss, severe loss of balance, or new confusion.

    Note the time the symptoms began, or the last time you were known to be well.

    An ambulance team can begin assessment and alert a stroke service before you arrive.

    Do not wait to see whether symptoms improve, and do not take leftover medicine unless an emergency professional tells you to do so.

    Routine appointments are not a substitute for emergency care if symptoms return.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    If the symptoms have already disappeared and you did not seek help, you still need urgent same-day assessment.

    A normal feeling afterward does not remove the short-term stroke risk.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for reviewing test results, preventive medicines, risk factors, side effects, emotional well-being, and return to activities.

The article also says

Do not drive yourself to hospital.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Transient ischemic attack. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.