Pre PACES Podcast #13 Transient Ischaemic Attacks
19 snips
Jul 18, 2021 Dr. Jen Collinson, an Acute Medicine registrar with expertise in stroke medicine, shares her insights on transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs). She discusses the importance of thorough patient history, focused examinations, and the distinction between TIAs and strokes. Jen highlights common presentation features and necessary investigations like neuroimaging. The episode also covers differential diagnoses, lifestyle advice for vascular risk reduction, and practical tips for communicating with patients about their condition.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Do Baseline Bloods And ECG; Monitor For AF
- Order baseline bloods (FBC, U&Es, LFTs, fasting glucose/HbA1c, lipids) and a 12-lead ECG.
- If ECG is normal but suspicion persists, arrange prolonged cardiac monitoring (commonly 7 days).
When To Do Acute CT And Give Aspirin
- CT head is not mandatory for uncomplicated TIA patients who are not anticoagulated and have no red flags.
- Give a single 300 mg dose of aspirin acutely and arrange rapid TIA clinic review where MRI is usually performed.
Use Carotid Doppler Selectively
- Arrange carotid Doppler in symptomatic patients to look for ipsilateral stenosis, especially when considering endarterectomy.
- Reserve scans for those who could be surgical candidates or where results would change management.