Journal Club Update: Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke Prediction

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are common and portend a high-short term risk of stroke. Recent guidelines from the American Heart Association and National Stroke Association suggest that all TIA patients should be evaluated emergently in a specialized unit, either as an inpatient or outpatient, based on local availability. The risk of stroke and vascular death is high after a retinal TIA, and patients with presumed vascular transient visual loss should be evaluated and treated similarly to those with transient cerebral ischemia or minor stroke. Neuroophthalmologists need to establish standardized protocols to assure rapid and complete evaluation and treatment for patients with TIA, with particular attention to urgency and close observation in patients at high risk of stroke.