Why a TIA needs urgent review
TIA symptoms — sudden weakness or numbness on one side, drooping face, slurred speech, loss of vision or difficulty understanding — usually resolve within minutes to hours. The risk of a completed stroke is highest in the days and weeks afterwards, so the assessment should not wait for a routine appointment.
If symptoms are still present, treat it as an emergency and go to the nearest emergency department. If they have resolved, arrange a same-day or next-day neurological review so the cause can be investigated and treatment started.
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What the evaluation covers
The consultation reviews the exact timing and nature of the episode, vascular risk factors, medications, cardiac history and family history. A neurological examination looks for residual deficits and other causes of transient symptoms.
Investigation may include brain imaging, carotid artery assessment, ECG and rhythm monitoring, blood tests and echocardiography when indicated. The aim is to distinguish a true TIA from migraine aura, seizure, vertigo, hypoglycaemia or other mimics.
- Confirm whether the event was vascular
- Assess carotid and cardiac sources of embolism
- Review blood pressure, lipids, glucose and smoking
- Check adherence and interactions with current medicines
Secondary prevention
Treatment may include antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy depending on the mechanism, blood-pressure control, lipid management, diabetes care and smoking cessation. Atrial fibrillation, carotid disease and other specific causes need targeted management.
Dr. Yadav explains the reasoning behind each medicine, the warning symptoms to watch for and when to seek emergency care. Follow-up includes review of imaging and blood tests, medication tolerance and risk-factor control.
Access and booking
Appointments are at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center, 117 Lal Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, opposite Yak & Yeti Hotel. Call +977-9747736624 or use /book-appointment. Bring prior reports, imaging and a medication list.