Post-emergency Management of Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a momentary neurological dysfunction due to a brief cessation of blood flow to a region of the brain, resulting in typical signs of stroke (hemiplegia, aphasia, dysarthria), but whose clinical symptoms typically last less than an hour, with no visible lesion on imaging. This diagnosis remains difficult and is essentially based on the clinical judgment of the physician.

Because a TIA can be a "pre-alarm" for stroke in 20-30% of cases, it needs to be treated appropriately and as early as possible in the emergency department. Stroke rates after untreated TIA are 5% within 48 hours, 10% within one month and 20% within one year. This risk is calculated using the ABCD² score which is based on the patient's risk factors and the clinical manifestations of TIA. Patients with a score ≥ 3 should be hospitalized as soon as possible for a complete medical evaluation. However, this score has not been scientifically validated, and several specialists agree that all TIAs should be evaluated immediately. Preventing stroke is a major public health issue because it is a serious, disabling and sometimes fatal disease. Given the seriousness of the progression from TIA to stroke, the French National Authority for Health has issued a series of management recommendations. However, in practice, these guidelines remain complicated to follow and patients management may vary and be more or less effective.

Therefore, the aim of this study is to highlight the differences in how inpatients and outpatients are managed. Following these observations, solutions will be sought to make the care and management of these patients more efficient and more in line with recommendations.