Transient ischaemic attacks - assessment and management

Aust Fam Physician. 2010 Nov;39(11):820-4.

Abstract

Background: Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) can be challenging to diagnose, but early assessment and effective management can reduce the subsequent risk of stroke.

Objective: This article reviews the assessment and management of TIAs for general practitioners.

Discussion: Transient ischaemic attacks can be a trap for the unwary, with difficulty in making a diagnosis and varied assessment and management pathways. There is a significant risk of subsequent stroke. Early assessment and initiation of treatment, which can take place in the general practice setting, could lower the risk of stroke. Liaising with regional stroke care centres is required to establish an optimal pathway of care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • General Practitioners*
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / diagnosis
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / drug therapy*
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / pathology
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / prevention & control
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Primary Health Care / methods*
  • Secondary Prevention

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors