TIA

Question 1

WHAT IS IT?

Answer 1

Ischaemic (usually embolic) neurological event with symptoms lasting <24h.

Question 2

Without intervention, 1 in 12 patients will go on to have what in one week?

Answer 2

a stroke

Question 3

Syncope and dizziness are typical of TIA’s?

Answer 3

NO

Question 4

what is the chief cause?

how is this investigated?

Answer 4

o Atherothromboembolism from carotid is the chief cause – listen for bruits

carotid doppler

Question 5

if it is Cardioembolic cause: post-MI, AF, valve disease,

how is it investigated?

Answer 5

Investigate with ECG & Holter Monitor

Question 6

what is the 7 day risk of stroke score?

what score means your likely to have a early stroke?

what are the components of ABCD2 risk score?

Answer 6

ABCD2 score

> 4

Age >60
BP >140/90
Clinical features: unilateral weakness, speech disturbance
Duration (>1 hour = 2 points, >1hr = 1 point)
Diabetes

Question 7

Tx of TIA

• what medication do you give to all patients?
• if cardiac source of emboli?

Answer 7

aspirin 300mg for 2 weeks then switch to long term clopidogrel 75mg

• give warfarin or DOAC