Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news
Reversible Ischemic Neurologic Disease (RIND) - Transient Ischemic Attack
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
The first step in diagnosis of transient ischemic attack is a medical history and physical exam. This may be all that is needed to make the diagnosis. In other cases, further tests may be needed.
Cranial MRIs and cranial CT scans may be ordered to distinguish a TIA from a stroke. They can also show whether or not there is bleeding in the brain, which can help with some treatment decisions.
Other tests may be ordered to help determine the cause of the TIA. For instance, a special X-ray test of the neck arteries can detect blockage. Certain X-ray tests of the heart can show heart failure or changes from a heart attack. A heart tracing, or ECG, can show abnormal heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation, or certain changes from a heart attack.