Transient Ischeamic Attack
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when there is a temporary decrease in the blood flow in the brain (McCance & Huether, 2010). This results in brief changes in brain function that can include changes in vision, inability to speak coherently, numbness and weakness in the upper and lower extremities, symptoms of dizziness or loss of consciousness (McCance & Huether, 2010). The causes of TIAs are from platelet clumps or narrowed vessels that result in an intermittent blockage of circulation (McCance & Huether, 2010). TIAs typically last twenty-four hours with all neurologic deficits subsiding with no residual dysfunction. There is no permanent brain injury with TIAs. Transient ischemic attacks are often referred to as “mini strokes” which may be a warning sign for a much more severe attack that can lead to a stroke (National Stroke Association 2014).
Risk Factors
Individuals that are at risk for TIAs are those who have hypertension, cardiac disease (atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and Valvular disease), diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerotic disease, cigarette smoking and thrombophilia (Domino, Golding, & Grimes, 2014).
Diagnoses …show more content…
Initial testing can include MRI of the brain followed by a non-contrast CT of the head. To assess extra cranial vasculature additional tests include MRA, CT angiography, and carotid ultrasound (Simmons, Cirigano & Gadegbeku, 2012). Lab tests can include complete blood work, BMP, PT/PTT, **UPT, and fasting lipid panel (Domino, Baldor, Golding & Grimes 2014). Additional testing can include a neurologic exam and cardiac exams (EKG, echocardiogram, telemetry monitoring) (Domino, Baldor, Golding & Grimes,
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when there is a temporary decrease in the blood flow in the brain (McCance & Huether, 2010). This results in brief changes in brain function that can include changes in vision, inability to speak coherently, numbness and weakness in the upper and lower extremities, symptoms of dizziness or loss of consciousness (McCance & Huether, 2010). The causes of TIAs are from platelet clumps or narrowed vessels that result in an intermittent blockage of circulation (McCance & Huether, 2010). TIAs typically last twenty-four hours with all neurologic deficits subsiding with no residual dysfunction. There is no permanent brain injury with TIAs. Transient ischemic attacks are often referred to as “mini strokes” which may be a warning sign for a much more severe attack that can lead to a stroke (National Stroke Association 2014).
Risk Factors
Individuals that are at risk for TIAs are those who have hypertension, cardiac disease (atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, and Valvular disease), diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerotic disease, cigarette smoking and thrombophilia (Domino, Golding, & Grimes, 2014).
Diagnoses …show more content…
Initial testing can include MRI of the brain followed by a non-contrast CT of the head. To assess extra cranial vasculature additional tests include MRA, CT angiography, and carotid ultrasound (Simmons, Cirigano & Gadegbeku, 2012). Lab tests can include complete blood work, BMP, PT/PTT, **UPT, and fasting lipid panel (Domino, Baldor, Golding & Grimes 2014). Additional testing can include a neurologic exam and cardiac exams (EKG, echocardiogram, telemetry monitoring) (Domino, Baldor, Golding & Grimes,