TIA

Question 1

what is the duration of symptoms?

Answer 1

less than 24 hours

Question 2

what screening method be used to measure the risk of stroke following a TIA? (within 48 hours)

Answer 2

ABCD2

Question 3

what does ABCD2 include?

Answer 3

A - Age >/= 60 years
B - BP >/= 140/90
C - Clinical features of TIA - unilateral weakness, speech disturbance without weakness
D - <10 mins, 10-59 mins, >/= 60 minutes
D - Diabetes

Question 4

Crescendo TIA =

Answer 4

2 or more episodes of TIA within 1 week

Question 5

4 causes of TIA

Answer 5

• Embolus from carotid artery
• Thrombus from the heart from AF
• Infective carditis
• Vasculitis

Question 6

Investigations to be done the day following a TIA (6)

Answer 6

• ECG
• Height, weight, BMI
• MRI brain
• Blood glucose
• Carotid USS doppler
• Blood tests: FBC, U+E, LFTs, Lipids

Question 7

7 conditions that can mimic TIA signs

Answer 7

• syncope
• atypical seizures
• migraine
• temporal arteritis
• retinal haemorrhage/detachment
• hypoglycaemia
• labyrinthe disorders

Question 8

medical management for TIA

Answer 8

Aspirin 300 mg OD for 2 weeks

Question 9

following 2 weeks what medication should be started ?

Answer 9

switch from aspirin to an anticoagulant e.g. Warfarin

Question 10

purpose of an appointment 3 months post TIA?

Answer 10

to address modifiable risk factors