Organized Outpatient Care of Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Stroke

R. A. Joundi; G. Saposnik

doi:10.1055/s-0037-1603510

Seminars in Neurology, Table of Contents

Semin Neurol 2017; 37(03): 383-390
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1603510

Review Article

Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Organized Outpatient Care of Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Stroke

R. A. Joundi

¹Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

,

G. Saposnik

²Stroke Outcomes Research Unit, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

The risk of recurrent stroke after transient ischemic attack (TIA) is high. In the past 10 years, TIA has increasingly been recognized as a medical emergency. Health systems have adapted toward rapid evaluation, investigation, and secondary prevention in patients with presumed TIA and minor stroke, and the significant benefits in reducing recurrent stroke and mortality have been borne out in several landmark studies. Various scores have been developed and debated to better risk stratify patients with TIA for hospitalization or urgent referral. However, scoring systems face challenges in identifying all patients with high-risk etiologies such as atrial fibrillation and carotid stenosis, and therefore require further refinement before widespread use. Further challenges include the role of advanced imaging in TIA, and ensuring rapid access to specialist care for all patients. In the absence of definitive risk stratification methods, the authors conclude that all patients with suspected TIA and minor stroke should be assessed and treated on an urgent basis, ideally through rapid outpatient referral programs.

Keywords

transient ischemic attack - minor stroke - outpatient - rapid clinic

Full Text

References

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