Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Signature Health Services can help with the management and treatment of Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA’s).

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA’s) and how we care for it

What is a stroke and what are TIA's?

A stroke occurs when the brain’s blood flow and supply is interrupted. This happens when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a blood clot or suddenly ruptures. As a result, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs to function properly, and brain cells die.

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), often called a ministroke, is a temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke. A TIA usually lasts only a few minutes and doesn’t cause permanent damage to the nerve functions and system nevertheless, it can be a sign for a future stroke if the proper care and precautions are not fulfilled. According to statistics about 1 in 3 people who had a transient ischemic attack eventually had a stroke, with about half occurring within a year after the transient ischemic attack.

What are their symptoms?

Some of the symptoms of a stroke include numbness, paralysis in the face, arm, or leg (most commonly on one side of the body), garbled speech, weakness, difficulty understanding others, double vision, vertigo, sudden severe headache, or loss of balance or coordination.

How to know if someone is having a stroke?

The best way to know if someone is having a stroke is with the F.A.S.T method.
F- Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A- Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S- Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T- Time: If you see any of these signs, you should call 9-1-1 right away

How can Signature help with TIA’s patients?

Our physical and occupational therapists custom design and guide daily rehabilitation exercises. These exercises help train, rewire, and activate the brain. Constant movement is the best remedy for strokes.

The treatment is based on the idea that the nurse will mostly observe the patient and help if the patient asks or if absolutely necessary. Stroke patients need to do things on their own (with encouragement) to make real progress.

Some of the primary tasks our nurses perform when caring for patients are:

Keep a record of side effects of medications
Signature’s nurses and therapists will monitor patients for a change in condition.
Have constant checks with your physician before adding more pills to your medication regimen.
Have long time care and rehabilitation, especially after the plateau (3 months after the stoke)
Give emotional support to the patient
Regularly monitor and assess your blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and stress levels to keep them in check
Keep in touch with your physician to help assess any changes or changing medical needs.
Conducting a home safety evaluation for home modifications, like installing grab bars and non-slip mats, as well as decreasing clutter in the home to improve the patient’s safety.

For more information on how Signature Health Services can help with your healthcare needs, please call 1 (800) 277-8291 (option 1) or email information@signaturehealthservices.net.