Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) Management study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence of a high early risk of stroke following TIA. Patients presenting after a TIA offer a unique opportunity for the urgent initiation of proven secondary preventive measures known to reduce the risk of a subsequent stroke. Despite this many TIA patients remain under-investigated and under-treated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess whether a structured treatment pathway would improve patient management and outcomes. The clinical pathway categorizes patients with TIA into high or low-risk for stroke according to the ABCD2 prognostic scoring system so as to guide their treatment accordingly. It was hoped that the use of the clinical pathway would result in improved medical management and investigation for patients with TIA and ultimately reduce their risk of subsequent stroke and other adverse events at 90 days.