Prevention of stroke following transient ischemic attack

Abstract

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are common neurologic events characterized by stroke-like symptoms that completely resolve. They were previously thought to be benign but research over the past decade has revealed the high risk of further neurologic and cardiac events following TIA. With the knowledge of prognosis following TIA, the need for more urgent diagnostic workup and treatment has become clear, and several tools for identifying patients at the highest risk have been developed. In this review, we discuss appropriate diagnostic testing, acute management, and long-term management for preventing stroke after TIA, current research in progress, as well as areas of need for future research.