Loyola Medicine

Loyola now offers a specialty clinic dedicated to the immediate treatment of patients who have experienced mini-strokes known as Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs). A TIA occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain for a short time. The symptoms are the same as those of a stroke but last only a few minutes.

Doctors at the multidisciplinary clinic work quickly to evaluate and treat patients who may be at imminent risk of full-blown strokes. TIAs are preventable and treatable. Knowing your risk factors and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle offer the best chances to prevent strokes.

Loyola’s stroke specialists will recommend a treatment plan to minimize the risk of a subsequent stroke. Treatment plans vary from patient to patient and can include:

• Medication to control blood pressure and cholesterol
• Smoking cessation
• Weight control
• Regular exercise
• Blood thinners to prevent clots
• Vascular surgery to remove plaque from the carotid artery

Call 911 immediately if you experience or observe any of the following symptoms of stroke:

• Sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis, usually on one side
• Confusion or memory problems
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden vision loss, blurred or double vision
• Sudden dizziness or imbalance
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause