Why is prompt recognition of TIAs important?
TIAs herald the possibility of a completed stroke: appropriate intervention may prevent strokes and thus permanent disability.
Ninety-day stroke rates for patients with TIA are >10% in some series, with the greatest risk within 48 hours to 7 days.
Longer symptom duration and presence of large cerebral artery (e.g., carotid) stenosis are associated with higher risk of stroke following TIA.
All patients with a recent TIA (within 2 weeks) need an expedited workup to determine cause.
