Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)

Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is defined here as focal neurological symptoms (symptoms specific to a certain area of the brain) due to focal ischaemia that have fully resolved.

According to current definitions, the finding of an ischaemic lesion on brain imaging is classified as a stroke even if symptoms have fully resolved. Patients with ischaemic lesions on diffusion MRI are at substantially higher risk of recurrent ischaemic events.

TIA is a medical emergency. The highest risk of stroke occurring following TIA is within the first 2 days. TIA requires rapid assessment and management to prevent stroke. If symptoms persist or are fluctuating at the time of assessment the patient should be managed as a stroke, including immediate assessment for reperfusion therapy and hospital admission.

For current research and evidence-based recommendations see our Clinical Guidelines.