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Transient ischemic attack: A neurologic emergency

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Abstract

Classically, a transient ischemic attack (TIA) has been defined as an acute episode of neurologic symptoms lasting less than 24 hours attributed to focal ischemia in a vascular distribution of the brain or retina. Stroke and TIA share similar risk factors, evaluation, and secondary prevention. However, evaluation of patients with TIA has traditionally lacked the same urgency that has been directed to acute stroke, probably because patients with TIA are at baseline neurologically when the diagnosis is made. Recently, several studies have found a high risk of stroke shortly after TIA. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that early recovery from ischemia actually is associated with greater instability. Identifying patients with the highest risk of recurrent ischemic events for urgent evaluation and intervention is key in secondary stroke prevention. This article reviews the current literature on new concepts about TIA, subsequent risk of stroke, and guidelines on evaluation and treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0114, 94143-0114, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Mai N. Nguyen-Huynh MD & S. Claiborne Johnston MD, PhD

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  1. Mai N. Nguyen-Huynh MD
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  2. S. Claiborne Johnston MD, PhD
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Nguyen-Huynh, M.N., Johnston, S.C. Transient ischemic attack: A neurologic emergency. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 5, 13–20 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-005-0018-z

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