Transient Ischemic Attack

Question 1

what are is TIA

Answer 1

acute, focal cerebral insufficiency lasting less than 24 hours and less than 60 mins
- no residual effects

Question 2

what are the risk factors for TIA

Answer 2

males
inc risk if have history

Question 3

what will a TIA present like

Answer 3

varies from pt to pt but similar to strokes
- abrupt onset and recovery
- sx will be associated with defects –> follow a vascular line

Question 4

what is Bell’s Palsy

Answer 4

paralysis of the facial nerve

Question 5

what a pt presents with if TIA of the carotid area

Answer 5

• weakness, heaviness in contralateral arm, leg, face
• numbness
• dysphagia
• ipsilateral monocular visual loss

Question 6

what a pt presents with if a TIA of the vertebrobasilar area

Answer 6

• dim or blurry vision
• vertigo
• dysphasia
• ataxia
• motor or sensory changes: ipsilateral face or contralateral body

Question 7

what is ipsilateral face

Answer 7

stays on the side of face where the occlusion is

Question 8

what is contralateral body

Answer 8

sx occur on the opposite side of body than where the occlusion is located

Question 9

how is TIA diagnosed

Answer 9

• hx and physical
• CT –> MRI, MRA to rule out hemorrhage, lacunar infarcts, aneurysms
• carotid doppler studies to see artery blockage
• echocardiogram to see if clots are breaking off

Question 10

how is a TIA treated

Answer 10

depends on cause
anticoagulation (ASA, clopidogrel, heparin, warfarin)
carotid endarterectomy (removal of plaque)