Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a temporary period of neurological dysfunction caused by focal brain, spinal cord, or retinal ischaemia without acute infarction
Symptoms usually last less than 24 hours and often resolve within an hour
TIA is a warning sign of potential future stroke
Epidemiology
Incidence: Approximately 50 per 100,000 person-years
More common in older adults, particularly those over 60 years
Higher prevalence in males compared to females
Risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, hyperlipidaemia, and atrial fibrillation
Aetiology and Pathophysiology
Atherosclerosis (most common cause)
Embolism (from heart or extracranial arteries)
Small vessel disease
Hypercoagulable states
Pathophysiology: transient reduction in blood flow to the brain, leading to temporary neurological deficits
Clinical Features 🌡️
Symptoms
Sudden onset of focal neurological deficits
Weakness or numbness of face, arm, or leg (typically one side)
