TIA's in primary care

Question 1

What is the assessment scoring system used for TIA’s

Answer 1

ABCD2 Score is most commonly used to risk stratify for stroke following a TIA

Question 2

What is the medical definition of a TIA

Answer 2

Stroke symptoms and signs that resolve within 24 hours.

• 25% of people with ischaemic stroke have a preceeding or warning TIA
• Risk of stroke is greatest 48hr following
• TIA does not cause brain damage

Question 3

Clinical signs of a TIA

Answer 3

• Loss of localised neurological function
  
  • mainly ‘negative symptoms’
• Unilateral weakness of face, arm or leg
• Unilateral altered sensation
• Dysphagia
• Hemianopia
• Monocular blindeness

Question 4

Both TI and stroke are considered ‘medical emergencies’ but they are different. How is our management different?

Answer 4

• Stroke:* immediate hopsital refferal to recieve antithrombotic therapy after CT imaging has ruled out the possibility of intra cranial haemorrage
• TIA:* can be given antithrombotic agents in 1^o setting without waiting for imaging, as risk of IC haemorrage is so low.