[TIA - immediate acute care and treatment decrease the risk of stroke substantially]

TIA is defined as an episode of neurological deficit with sudden onset, caused by focal cerebral or retinal ischemia lasting less than 24 hours. A tissue-based definition has been proposed but its application has been challenging, in part as its use requires magnetic resonance imaging. In most cases the diagnosis is solely based on history as provided by the patient. The diagnosis can therefore be challenging, and interobserver agreement between physicians is only fair. The importance of a TIA is its subsequent substantial risk of stroke, especially within the first weeks. Immediate acute care and treatment has been shown to decrease the risk of stroke substantially and is therefore crucial. Diagnostic procedures include imaging of the brain and neck vessels, ECG and cardiac rhythm monitoring, and blood pressure measuring. Treatment decisions are based on the diagnostic findings and include antithrombotic therapy, statins, blood pressure lowering medications, and carotid surgery if indicated.