BACKGROUND: Approximately 240,000 transient ischemic attacks (TIA's) are diagnosed every year in U.S.A. Recent studies have shown that 4-20% will have a stroke within 90 days after a TIA, half in 2 days. OBJECTIVES: To determine morbidity and assess outcome at 72 hours of patients with TIA's arriving at the Emergency Room (ER) of San Lucas Hospital, Ponce, PR. METHODOLOGY: Medical records of all patients evaluated at ER in 2006 with neurological symptoms for < 24 hours, and outcome for next 72 hrs were reviewed. Anticoagulation given and timeframe between initial symptoms and diagnostic neurologic workup was also recorded. RESULTS: 53/182 records reviewed met inclusion criteria. 45% males, 55% females, median age of 62 years (Range 53-90). All received antithrombotic drugs at ER. Head-CT performed upon arrival in 100%, only 57% of Echocardiograms and Carotid-Doppler done in 24 hrs. CONCLUSION: No patients developed stroke or death related to TIA in 72 hours.
BACKGROUND: Approximately 240,000 transient ischemic attacks (TIA's) are diagnosed every year in U.S.A. Recent studies have shown that 4-20% will have a stroke within 90 days after a TIA, half in 2 days. OBJECTIVES: To determine morbidity and assess outcome at 72 hours of patients with TIA's arriving at the Emergency Room (ER) of San Lucas Hospital, Ponce, PR. METHODOLOGY: Medical records of all patients evaluated at ER in 2006 with neurological symptoms for < 24 hours, and outcome for next 72 hrs were reviewed. Anticoagulation given and timeframe between initial symptoms and diagnostic neurologic workup was also recorded. RESULTS: 53/182 records reviewed met inclusion criteria. 45% males, 55% females, median age of 62 years (Range 53-90). All received antithrombotic drugs at ER. Head-CT performed upon arrival in 100%, only 57% of Echocardiograms and Carotid-Doppler done in 24 hrs. CONCLUSION: No patients developed stroke or death related to TIA in 72 hours.