TIA - Transient Ischemic Attack

What are the treatments for the condition?

Most people with transient ischemic attacks are treated right away with aspirin and then with blood thinners if they do not have bleeding into the brain. Blood thinners help prevent further TIAs or strokes.

Because the symptoms of a TIA are the same as those of a stroke, the emergency medical system should be contacted immediately. These symptoms include a sudden onset of:

Specific types of medication may be needed in special cases. For instance, those with a heart infection may be given antibiotics. Those with arteritis are often given corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to reduce inflammation in the brain.

If an individual has significant narrowing of the carotid arteries, a carotid endarterectomy may be recommended to widen them. This surgical procedure removes the cholesterol plaques and may prevent future strokes. The decision to perform surgery will depend on the person's neurological status, the type of plaque clogging the artery, and whether the plaque has a break in it, known as a rupture.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Side effects depend on the treatments used. For instance, aspirin may cause allergic reactions, stomach upset, or bleeding. Clot-busting medications can cause excessive bleeding. A ventilator may sometimes cause damage to the lungs or an infection.

A carotid artery endarterectomy can cause bleeding, infections, and allergic reactions to the anesthesia. On rare occasions, carotid endarterectomy can cause a stroke or heart attack to occur.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Generally, a person recovers from a TIA with no further problems. However, it is important to contact the healthcare provider for follow-up, since the TIA may be a warning sign of an upcoming stroke.

How is the condition monitored?

Monitoring is related to the cause of the transient ischemic attack. For instance, those with clots in their heart need repeat blood tests, such as a PT test, to monitor the effects of medications used to thin the blood. Since a TIA is a significant indicator that the person is at risk for stroke, any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.