TIA

Question 1

What is a TIA?

Answer 1

A transient ischemic attack - an acute, focal cerebral insufficiency that lasts < 24 hours (usually < 60 minutes) with no residual effects

Question 2

What is a stroke?

Answer 2

Neurological deficits lasting > 24 hours and can see it on a CT scan

Question 3

Are males or females more affected by TIAs?

Answer 3

Males

Question 4

How do TIA’s influence the risk of stroke?

Answer 4

Increase risk

Question 5

How does Bell’s palsy compare to TIA?

Answer 5

Bell’s palsy is a problem with facial nerves and present with a droopy face.

Question 6

What are the manifestations of a TIA?

Answer 6

If in the carotid area: weakness, heaviness in contralateral arm/leg/face, numbness, dysphagia, ipsilateral monocular visual loss

If vertebrobasilar area: dim/blurry vision, vertigo, dysphagia, ataxia, motor/sensory changes (ipsilateral = same sided, contralateral = cross over midline)

Question 7

What are potential ways to diagnose a TIA?

Answer 7

Use of history and physical information
CT, MRI, MRA (magnetic resonance angiography), carotid doppler studies (carotid stenosis), echo

Question 8

How to treat a TIA?

Answer 8

Depends on the cause
Anticoags - ASA, clopidogrel, heparin, warfarin
Carotid endarterectomy with more than 70% stenosis