TIA

Question 1

What is TIA?

Answer 1

Transient Ischaemic Attack

A sudden-onset focal neurological deficit with a vascular aetiology.

Sx resolve within <1 hour.

Question 2

Presentation of TIA?

Answer 2

Speech difficulty (dysphasia)
Arm or leg weakness
Sensory changes
Ataxia, vertigo or loss of balance
Visual disturbance: Homonymous hemianopia, diplopia

Question 3

Diagnosis/IVx of TIA?

Answer 3

MRI
Carotid ultrasound
Echocardiogram (looking for cardiac thrombous)
24 hour tape (looking for AF)
Blood tests (including glucose, lipid profile, clotting factors)

Question 4

Management of TIA?

Answer 4

MUST be seen within 24 hours -immediate assessment.

Aim to reduce future stroke:
- smoking cessation, regular exercise, healthy diet
- control vascular RFs (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia)
- start antiplatelet therapy (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel) unless contraindicated
- endarterectomy or stenting of the carotid artery might be indicated