Definition of TIA:

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or ‘mini stroke’ is defined as a clinical syndrome presenting as acute loss of focal, cerebral or monocular function due to inadequate cerebral or ocular blood supply, and lasting less than 24 hours.

• Approximately 20% of patients with a completed stroke have previously had a TIA, often only a few days before the stroke
• Stroke risk following a TIA is greatest within the first 7-14 days
• Early initiation of treatment for TIAs can reduce the number of these patients going on to have a stroke by 80%

How GPs can make a difference – the referral pathway:

GPs can help reduce the number of TIA patients going on to have a stroke by following the TIA referral pathway to ensure that patients receive timely referral and treatment. All the information required when referring TIA patients in North West London can be found on the new TIA referral form. This form has been created in order to improve TIA patient pathways and to meet the London Performance Standards. The TIA referral form incorporates the key information you need regarding referral protocols, diagnosis and out of hours service arrangements across NW London. More details on the referral pathway and forms can be found in section 2.2 ‘TIA Diagnosis and Referral’.