Transient ischaemic attacks (TIA): investigations
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Transient ischaemic attacks (TIA): investigations. This is preferably done with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain
- This is preferably done with diffusion weighted imaging (DWI)
- It should be done within 24 hours
- It is more urgent if the arterial territory or the cause are uncertain
Carotid doppler ultrasound
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Intracranial vascular investigations
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Cardiac investigations
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Indications for transoesophageal ECHO (TOE)
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References
- Easton JD, Saver JL, Albers GW, et al. Definition and evaluation of transient ischemic attack: a scientific statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Stroke Council; Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia; Council on Cardiovascular Radiology and Intervention; Council on Cardiovascular Nursing; and the Interdisciplinary Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease. Stroke 2009; 40:2276-2293.
- Stroke: Diagnosis and initial management of acute stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA). NICE Clinical Guideline [CG68]. July 2008.
- Stroke and transient ischaemic attack in over 16s: diagnosis and initial management. NICE Guidance [CG68]. Updated March 2017.
- Fonseca AC, Merwick A, Dennis M, et al. European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines on management of transient ischaemic attack. Eur Stroke J 2021 (Online ahead of print).
