Rapid response to TIAs: Saving time saves lives

A one-stop service for diagnosing and treating TIAs, often a precursor to a stroke, has been a success story for CUH

Dr Pat Barry, CUH consultant in acute medicine, says the risk of stroke after a TIA is highest in the first two weeks. Picture: Denis Minihane

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) can come and go in a short period of time, but it is often a major warning sign that needs to be acted on quickly. This is where the one-stop TIA ambulatory care clinic at Cork University Hospital can have a significant impact. 

The clinic was established by Dr Pat Barry, a consultant in acute medicine, and neurologist Dr Simon Cronin in 2013. It is a consultant-provided rapid access service which operates on a referral basis, mainly from GPs but also from the emergency and eye casualty departments at CUH.