Rapid Access TIA Clinic

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily disrupted. TIA is sometimes referred to as a “temporary stroke” or “mini-stroke.” It causes stroke-like symptoms with no brain damage. Episodes can be as brief as a few minutes or last up to 24 hours. TIA is often a warning that a second, more severe brain attack could happen. 

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health safeguards your well-being with our rapid access TIA clinics. This offering, which is available remotely and in select locations, gives you access to prompt follow-up care that lowers your stroke risk.

We provide comprehensive care, including emergency transient ischemic attack assessments and follow-up care to lower your risk of future stroke.

Highlights of our program include: 

• Timely care: We see you promptly so you can quickly start therapies and make lifestyle changes to reduce stroke risk.

• Trusted experts: Patients receive services from stroke specialists who treat a high volume of TIA patients. They use evidence-based stroke prevention methods and tailor services to your needs.

• Comprehensive care: We coordinate all the services you need, including imaging scans and tests that determine your risk of future stroke. Our team provides a personalized care plan that may include medications, lifestyle changes and referrals to additional providers who can help you.

Receiving prompt emergency care at the first signs of stroke can improve the chances of survival and reduced disability. Use the acronym “BE FAST” to recognize the sudden signs of stroke and take action: 

• B – Balance: Is the person having trouble with balance or coordination?
• E – Eyes: Is there blurry or double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes?
• F – Face drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Check by asking the person to smile.
• A – Arm weakness: Is one arm weak? When arms are lifted, does one drift downward?
• S – Speech difficulty: Is the person’s speech slurred or hard to understand? 
• T – Terrible headache: Is the person suddenly experiencing the worst headache of their life?

Time to call 911: If you observe any of these symptoms, call 911. Do not drive to the hospital.

If you are having stroke-like symptoms, call 911 to go to the emergency room. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health delivers exceptional stroke care and maintains top honors. A highly skilled team of specialists performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether it’s a stroke or TIA.

We review your medical history and evaluate what happened during the temporary stroke. Specialists check for conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure, which increase your stroke risk. We also ask questions about your lifestyle, including your diet, physical activity level and whether you use tobacco or alcohol.       

Our stroke specialists perform assessments, including physical and neurological exams. We issue an expedited referral if you might benefit from additional studies to assess blood vessels supplying the brain.

We explain assessment findings, including what may have caused the TIA and steps you can take to lower your risk of a future brain attack. 

Your personalized stroke prevention plan may include:   

• Medications to lower blood pressure or prevent blood clots
• Referrals to other specialists, such as a cardiologist who treats stroke risk factors
• Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and quitting tobacco
• Ongoing follow-up care from a neurovascular or comprehensive neurology provider or primary care physician

Our specialists care for patients across the Puget Sound area and beyond. Find a transient ischemic attack specialist near you.