Abstract
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a warning sign for impending cerebral infarction, mainly within several months following the attack. To determine if any clinical characteristics could prognosticate cerebral infarction following a TIA, we studied and followed 68 consecutive patients who presented with a TIA. We determined the vascular risk factors, frequency, duration, vascular territory involved, and presumed etiology of the attacks. Diagnostic tests and treatment were individualized. Follow-up ranged from 1 day to 36 months (mean, 19 months). Four patients died from non-neurologic causes without having had a stroke. Cerebral infarction occurred in five patients (7%), 6 hours, 1 day, 10 days, 5 months, and 14 months after the presenting TIA. Two clinical characteristics were associated with a significantly increased risk of cerebral infarction: diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001) and history of multiple TIAs > 1/month at the time of presentation (p = 0.005). Patients presenting with a recent TIA and these risk factors may benefit from more aggressive treatment.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 23-28 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1993 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cerebral ischemia
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Clinical Neurology
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine