Rapid Access TIA Clinic

A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) occurs when the brain does not receive enough blood momentarily. While symptoms appear similar to a stroke, symptoms resolve within minutes to hours. However, it is a warning sign that a true stroke may happen in the future if something is not done to prevent it.

Our goal at UR Medicine’s Rapid Access TIA clinic and Neurovascular Laboratory is to swiftly address these events, while providing patients with a positive outpatient experience without the need for an Emergency visit or overnight stay. Patients referred to the TIA clinic will undergo a thorough evaluation and work-up by our fellowship-trained stroke neurologists. Patients will also receive education on stroke risk factors and stroke prevention.

Our comprehensive visit includes:

• Neurological consult
• Neurosurgical consult (if needed)
• Onsite MRI and MRA imaging
• Onsite carotid and neurovascular ultrasound
• Immediate test results & treatment options
• TIA and Stroke education
• Follow-up care, as needed

Findings from the evaluation will also be communicated to the referring physician. An algorithm to determine whether a patient should be referred to the TIA clinic is a useful tool for physicians who are treating a patient with TIA.