TIA

Question 1

What differentiates a TIA from a stroke?

Answer 1

A TIA is where the focal and subtle neurological signs and symptoms have completely resolved when they are assessed by the clinician

Question 2

What scoring system can be used to identify patients at higher risk of stroke?

Answer 2

ABCD^2
use of ABCD^2 scores has now been de-emphasised and all patients experiencing a TIA should be treated as high risk and seen within 24 hours

Question 3

What risk factors mean a patient suffering from a TIA must be conveyed to hospital?

Answer 3

Crescendo TIAs (where more than one suspected TIA has occurred within 7 days).
Prescribed anticoagulants
Diagnosed clotting disorders.
Diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) or the presence of undiagnosed AF on the ECG.
ABCD^2 score of 4 or more (where hospital uses ABCD^2 score).

Question 4

Treatment options for TIA?

Answer 4

arrange follow up in TIA clinic within 24 hours
if conveying administer 300mg aspirin
if leaving at home with referral consider use of PGD aspirin prescription