What is a TIA?
Transient episode of focal cerebral ischemia without infarction
How long do TIAs last?
<24 hours
Are there permanent deficits in TIA?
No
How is TIA different from stroke?
No lasting neurological damage
Cause of TIA?
Temporary vessel occlusion or spasm
Who is more affected by TIAs?
Males
Major risk after TIA?
Stroke (especially within 1 month)
Onset of TIA symptoms?
Sudden
Recovery from TIA?
Rapid and complete
Symptoms depend on what?
Affected brain vessel
Carotid TIA symptoms?
Weakness/heaviness in contralateral arm, leg, or face
Numbness
Dysphagia
Ipsilsteral monocular vision loss
Vertebrobasilar TIA symptoms?
Vertigo
Dysphasia
Ataxia
Motor/sensory changes
Blurry vision
What is dysphagia?
Difficulty swallowing
What is dysphasia?
Difficulty speaking
Why keep dysphagia patients NPO?
Aspiration risk
What is contralateral?
Opposite side of body
What is ipsilateral?
Same side of body
Initial diagnostic test for TIA?
CT scan
Why CT scan first?
Rule out hemorrhage
Other diagnostics?
MRI/MRA
Treatment goal for TIA?
Prevent stroke
Medications for TIA?
Anticoagulation Therapy
Aspirin
Plavix
Heparin and warfarin if cardiac
If cardiac cause?
Heparin or warfarin
If carotid stenosis?
Carotid endarterectomy
