Causes and risk factors
Causes of TIA include blood clot in an artery of the brain, blood clot that travels to the brain from somewhere else in the body [thromboembolism], an injury to the blood vessels, narrowing of a blood vessel in the brain or leading to the brain, trauma or head injury. Risk factors include high cholesterol, underlying heart disease like angina, atherosclerosis, cigarette or tobacco smoking, alcohol, drug abuse.
Clinical presentation
Patient presents with symptoms like unable to recognize objects or people, confusion or loss of memory. Lack of control over the bladder or bowels, lack of coordination and balance, clumsiness, or trouble walking, loss of vision in one or both eyes, numbness or tingling on one side of the body, weakness on one side of the body is experienced. There can be personality, mood, or emotional changes. Patient shows trouble saying or understanding words, change in alertness, changes in feeling, including touch, pain, temperature, pressure, hearing, and taste. He has difficulty swallowing, difficulty writing or reading. Drooping of the face is observed. Generally symptoms like stroke persist anywhere between 24 to 48 hours.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Imaging studies such as CT scan, MRI of brain with angiogram is recommended. Routine blood tests are advised. Serum electrolytes may be done. Echocardiogram is useful for further investigations.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the underlying cause. Medications like anti-coagulants, anti-platelet, and anti-hypertensive drugs are required. If medicines are not effective, further treatment consists of surgical intervention. Untreated TIA can lead to stroke. TIA or stroke can be prevented by practicing healthy diet and lifestyle habits such as avoidance of smoking, drinking, losing weight, regular exercise.
