TIA Flashcards
What is TIA?
Transient Ischaemic Attack
A sudden-onset focal neurological deficit with a vascular aetiology.
Sx resolve within <1 hour.
Presentation of TIA?
Speech difficulty (dysphasia)
Arm or leg weakness
Sensory changes
Ataxia, vertigo or loss of balance
Visual disturbance: Homonymous hemianopia, diplopia
Diagnosis/IVx of TIA?
MRI
Carotid ultrasound
Echocardiogram (looking for cardiac thrombous)
24 hour tape (looking for AF)
Blood tests (including glucose, lipid profile, clotting factors)
Management of TIA?
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