Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

CLINICAL DIAGNOSTIC MANUAL

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a neurological event characterised by symptoms similar to a stroke, but which are temporary and completely reversible, leaving no permanent brain damage. TIAs occur when the blood flow to a part of the brain is briefly interrupted, usually due to a clot or arterial stenosis. This condition serves as a significant warning sign of a potential future stroke, making its prompt identification and management crucial.

Clinical Symptom/Sign	Description	Suspected Diagnosis	Confirmatory Diagnosis
Transient motor deficit	Temporary loss of strength in an arm, leg, or one side of the body	Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)	Brain MRI
Dysarthria	Temporary difficulty articulating words	Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)	Brain MRI and vascular imaging studies
Transient vision loss or impairment	Blurred vision or loss of vision like a veil over one or both eyes	Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)	Brain MRI and carotid Doppler ultrasound
Dizziness or balance disturbance	Sensation of instability or vertigo without ENT cause	Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)	Brain MRI and neurological evaluation
Transient sensory dysfunction	Temporary loss of sensation in a part of the body	Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)	Brain MRI and sensory function tests