Transient Ischemic Attack and Secondary Stroke.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a clinical syndrome that has been shown to be a major risk factor for stroke. Patients with transient neurologic deficits of sudden onset that last less than 24 hours require prompt medical and neurologic evaluation for identifiable stroke risk factors. The appropriate treatment depends on the cardio- or neurovascular lesion that caused the TIA. Based on this evaluation, the optimal stroke prevention regimen in a person with TIA will vary from surgical repair of a stenotic carotid artery to daily aspirin use.