Transient ischemic attack (TIA, reversible stroke)

Description

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is temporary reduce of the blood flow to some part of the brain. The affected parts of the brain do not function normally and causes the symptoms characteristic for this disease. Syndrome resembles the stroke except the symptoms last less than 24 hours and most patients resolves in first hour. The most common causes are atherosclerosis and arterial fibrillation. These patients should urgently perform the examinations to identify and treat the cause of TIA, due to high risk of the stroke, especially in first week after TIA.

Symptoms

Weakness or numbness on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, inability to speak, transient loss of vision on one eye, dizziness, loss of balance, lack of coordination.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. Tests for confirming the cause of symptoms and identifying all blocked arteries or irregular heartbeat. CT scan of the head, MRI-magnetic resonance imaging of the head, EKG monitoring and examination of the carotid arteries with an ultrasound.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, CT scan, electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Additional analyses

Examination of the carotid arteries with an ultrasound, CT angiogram, MR angiogram.

Specialists

Neurology

Therapy

Objective is to prevent development the stroke. Specificity of the treatment depends on what has been the cause of reduced blood flow in the brain and can include: platelet aggregation inhibitors (aspirin, clopidogrel), anticoagulants (heparin, enoxaparin, warfarin) and/or a surgery of carotid arteries.