Hospital offers stroke (TIA) clinics

(MIRAMICHI) (June 11, 2012) – June is Stroke Month and the Miramichi Regional Hospital is reminding members of the public that the hospital offers a TIA clinic to any person who has had symptoms of a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), which is sometimes called a mini-stroke.

A TIA happens when a clot stops blood from flowing to the brain for a short time.

The symptoms of a TIA are similar to the symptoms of a stroke, except they go away within a few minutes or hours.

These symptoms include:

· Weakness

· Trouble speaking

· Vision problems

· Headache

· Dizziness

It is important to recognize these symptoms and immediately call 911.

Having a TIA is an important warning sign that you are 10 to 20 per cent more likely to have a stroke than the general population over the next 90 days.

At the TIA clinic, a registered nurse will give you the information to help you make the changes to reduce your risk of having another TIA or of having a stroke in the future.

There are lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce your risk.

For more information, call the TIA Clinic at 623-3160.