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.
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.
Authors: Jamie Clarey; Daniel Lasserson; Christopher Levi; Mark Parsons; Helen Dewey; P Alan Barber; Debbie Quain; Patrick McElduff; Milton Sales; Parker Magin Journal: Fam Pract Date: 2014-09-10 Impact factor: 2.267