Download TIA - Day Unit

Organisation of the one-day-hospitalization
Notes
You are expected at Unit 35 on
............................................................ at 8.00 hrs.
Unit 35 is located in Zone A (White Zone-hospitalization
adults) and accessible through the central entrance hall.
Take the elevator to the 3rd floor and you will see the
arrow to VE 35.
Patient information
TIA - Day Unit
Considerations:
•
You need to be sober (no more drinking or eating as
from midnight).
•
Bring along your letter of reference from your GP as
well as your current medication list.
•
Bring along your SIS-card as well as your identity
card.
UZ BRUSSEL
Laarbeeklaan 101
1090 Jette
This brochure is indicative, containing general
information only, with all reasonable care in
compiling the content. Consult a doctor for
adapted personal information about diagnosis
and treatment of medical conditions.
Full or partial reproduction of the text is only
permitted with the prior permission of the editor.
In case you have any more questions, do not hesitate to
contact us on 02 476 37 51 (Mrs Rita Van Dyck,
stroke-nurse) or through the secretary of Neurology on
02 477 60 12.
Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
Laarbeeklaan 101
1090 Brussel
Tel: 02 477 41 11
www.uzbrussel.be - [email protected]
Edition: September 2012
Executive editors:
prof. dr. J. De Keyser, prof. dr. R. Brouns
Department of Neurology
Tel. 02 477 60 12
Prof. Dr. J. De Keyser
Prof. Dr. R. Brouns
Dr. A. De Smedt
Dr. R.-J. Van Hooff
R. Van Dyck (stroke-nurse)
Your GP or neurologist suspects that you have
experienced a TIA, and therefore suggests a
one-day-hospitalization. During your stay some
investigations will take place to examine the cause
of the TIA. Afterwards, your neurologist will inform
you about the results of the investigations, and will
propose a treatment.
What is a TIA?
TIA stands for “Transient Ischaemic Attack,” which means
‘a passing restriction in the blood flow to the brain’.
A TIA is a mini-stroke.
The symptoms may take several minutes, but usually not
longer than 20 minutes.
TIAs may be a warning sign of a far more serious stroke:
one out of four people suffer from a stroke with lasting
effects after a TIA. The investigation and treatment of
a TIA are intended to reduce the risk of a stroke with
lasting effects.
Symptoms of TIA (and stroke)
The following investigations may be useful:
The signs and symptoms of a TIA can vary widely.
Often it is a:
•
Blood test
•
Electrocardiogram (ECG) Examination of the heart rhythm through electrodes
on the chest.
•
Duplex examination of the neck vessels An ultrasound examination of the blood flow of the
most important blood vessels in the neck. With a
transducer (microphone type) that is slowly moved
over the skin of the throat, the blood vessel can be
systematically examined.
•
CT-scan of the brain Scanner to examine the structure of the brain.
•
Ultrasound of the heart Examination of the structure of the heart by means
of ultrasound.
•
Holter
The heart rhythm is registered for about 24 hours
in a small recorder. Thus, transient arrhythmias may
be detected. You do not need to stay in the hospital
during registration. The following day, you can bring
the device back to the Centre of Cardiovascular
Diseases1.
•
Sudden paralysis or sensory disturbances in the arm,
leg or face, on one side of the body.
•
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty to
understand others.
•
Sudden decrease of vision or blindness in one or
both eyes.
•
Sudden double vision.
•
Sudden difficulties to walk, dizziness or balance
disorders.
The main factors that increase the risk of a TIA (and
stroke) are: high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and
cardiac arrhythmias.
Main Entrance of the Hospital - Zone B (green):
Louis Thielemans pavilion - 1st floor.
1