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Transient ischemic attack

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Mini stroke; TIA; Little stroke

Prevention:

Prevention of TIA includes controlling the risk factors. Hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and other associated disorders should be treated as appropriate. Smoking should be stopped.

The use of blood thinners may prevent strokes in some patients who have blood clots or atrial fibrillation.

Aspirin therapy (81mg a day or 100mg every other day) is now recommended for stroke prevention in women under 65 as long as the benefits outweigh the risks. Women over age 65 should take aspirin to prevent heart attack and stroke only if their blood pressure is controlled and the benefit is greater than the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and brain hemorrhage .

Carotid endarterectomy in select patients may prevent stroke.

References:

Mosca L, Banka CL, Benjamin EJ, et al. Evidence-Based Guidelines for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women: 2007 Update. Circulation . 2007; Published online before print February 19, 2007.

• Review Date: 2/20/2007
• Reviewed By: Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.(2006)

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