Difference Between Stroke and TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)

Stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked or ruptured, causing permanent brain damage.

TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, resolving within 24 hours without lasting damage.

Key Differences:

Duration: Stroke symptoms last longer than 24 hours, while TIA symptoms resolve within 24 hours (often within minutes).

Brain Damage: Stroke can cause permanent damage, while TIA does not.

Cause: Both can result from blood clots, but stroke may also involve brain bleeds.

Risk Factor: TIA is a warning sign for a future stroke.

Management of Stroke:

Emergency Care:

Call 999 immediately if stroke symptoms appear.

Perform the FAST test (Face, Arm, Speech, Time).

Urgent CT/MRI scan to determine stroke type.

Ischemic Stroke (Clot):

Thrombolysis (Alteplase) within 4.5 hours.

Mechanical thrombectomy for large clots.

Haemorrhagic Stroke (Bleed):

Blood pressure control, stop anticoagulants, consider surgery if needed.

Long-Term Care:

Medication: Antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), anticoagulants if atrial fibrillation is present (for non haemorrhagic stroke).

Risk Factor Management: Control blood pressure, cholesterol (statins), and diabetes.

Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy.

Management of TIA:

TIA is an emergency and should be assessed urgently.

Immediate Treatment:

Aspirin 300 mg daily.

ABCD² score to assess stroke risk (is done by clinicians).

Brain imaging to rule out stroke.

Prevention of Future Stroke:

Control risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol).

Anticoagulation if atrial fibrillation is present.

Lifestyle changes (quit smoking, healthy diet, exercise).

High-risk TIA cases (multiple TIAs, atrial fibrillation) require assessment within 24 hours.

Dr Geranmayeh