Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are strong predictors of subsequent stroke and death.
Studies show that the management of TIAs is highly variable with little emphasis on urgency. One reason for this is that many patients presenting at the hospital with suspected TIA have mild symptoms or have returned to their baseline level of function by the time they are evaluated.
It is estimated that there are 250,000 - 350,000 transient ischemic attacks each year in the US. As the number of strokes increases in the coming years with the aging of the US population, we can expect a similar increase in the number of TIAs. A transient ischemic attack offers an excellent opportunity to use current, evidence-based best practices to prevent stroke and other serious cardiovascular events.
National Stroke Association has developed the following educational materials to improve management of TIA to prevent stroke:
-
An archived webcast, Improving the Management of TIA to Prevent Stroke. Clay Johnston, MD, University of California, San Francisco and Art Pancioli, MD, University of Cincinnati.
-
Downloadable Stroke Clinical Updates™, "Improving Management of TIA to Prevent Stroke," Clay Johnston, MD.
-
The ABCD2 tool, which enables clinicians to predict risk of stroke after TIA. The fundamentals of the tool were validated and reported in Lancet. (The validation of the ABCD2 score, was listed as one of the year’s top stroke advances in the March 2008 issue of Emergency Physician’s Monthly.) From the score a paper tool was developed for use by treating providers. After beta-testing the tool it is now being widely disseminated to 100’s of thousands of providers for use in their practices.
Download Printable ABCD2 Tool (English Version)
Download Printable ABCD2 Tool (Spanish Version)
Looking for multiple quantities? Order yours now at www.stroke.org/shop. -
Education materials for at-risk patients:
-
Public TIA web pages at www.stroke.org/TIA
