TIA's

Question 1

What is a TIA?

Answer 1

Sudden onset of focal CNS signs due to temporary occlusion of cerebral circulation

Question 2

What is the diagnostic criteria of a TIA over a stroke?

Answer 2

If symptoms last less than 24 hours

Question 3

What are the causes of a TIA?

Answer 3

Atherothromboembolism that clears

• Usually from carotid atheroma
• AF
• Mural thrombus

Polycythaemia

Question 4

What is polycythaemia?

Answer 4

Hyperviscosity of blood

Question 5

What are the two areas where TIA’s mostly occur?

Answer 5

Carotid territory

Vertebrobasillar territory

Question 6

What are the symptoms of a TIA in the carotid territory?

Answer 6

Controlateral weakness/numbness

Broadmann’s areas associated

• Dysphasia
• Dysarthria

Homonymous hemianopia
Amaurosis fugax

Question 7

What are the symptoms of a TIA in the vertebrobasillar area?

Answer 7

Hemiparesis
Hemisensory loss
Bilateral weakness

Dipoplia

Question 8

What symptoms rule out a TIA?

Answer 8

Global events such as
- Dizziness

DEFINITELY NOT TIA

Question 9

DDx?

Answer 9

Migraine aura
- When symptoms spread over minutes

Focal epilepsy
- When symptoms spread over seconds

Hypoglycaemia

Question 10

Investigation?

Answer 10

ECG
Carotid doppler
Cardiac echo

CxR (HF)

Question 11

What surgical treatment can be done if deemed safe?

Answer 11

Carotid endartectomy

Question 12

Pharma management?

Answer 12

Control stroke risk factors

• Hypertension control
• Antiplatelet drugs
• Warfarin??

Question 13

Other management?

Answer 13

Smoking cessation

Support at home in elderly