TIA Clinic - Stanford Stroke Center
August 2006 marked the launch of Stanford Stroke Center’s new TIA Clinic — the result of a major initiative by Stroke Center Director, Dr. Greg Albers, and the Stroke Center Advisory Board. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are caused by temporary interruptions in the blood supply to the brain. Although symptoms disappear quickly and completely, they can be a warning sign for an impending stroke and should be evaluated on an urgent basis.
The Stanford Stroke Center’s TIA Clinic has developed an innovative approach to patient assessment and treatment that provides personalized care for TIA patients judged to be at low risk for an imminent stroke. Patients arriving in the ER with symptoms of TIA or stroke receive an initial assessment by a Stroke Center physician. Approximately 60% of TIA patients can now avoid hospitalization and have urgent follow-up care provided in the TIA Clinic.
Connie Wolford, RN, TIA Clinic Coordinator, explains the benefits, “In the past all of our TIA patients were admitted to the hospital. Now with the TIA Clinic, we are able to provide a majority of these patients with the same first-rate care they would receive at Stanford Hospital while they remain in the familiar surroundings of their home and community.”
