Author: Peter Bakes, MD

Educational Pearl:

• Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is defined as neurologic symptoms that resolve in 24 hours with no new changes on head imaging
• Mimics include complex migraine, carotid dissection, seizure (Todd's paralysis)
• Typical presentation is with sudden onset of negative symptoms such as numbness, weakness, etc.
• Mimics tend to have positive symptoms such as photophobia, pain, etc.

References:

Kernan WN, Ovbiagele B, Black HR, et al. Guidelines for the prevention of stroke in patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke 2014; 45:2160.

Simmons B, et al. Transient Ischemic Attack: Part I. Diagnosis and Evaluation. American Family Physician 2012; 86(6):521-526.

Summarized by Travis Barlock, MS4 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD