Shalina Nair, MD, MBA

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<root generator="drupal.xsl" gversion="1.7"> <header> <fileName>Rundell0522</fileName> <TBEID>0C02933D.SIG</TBEID> <TBUniqueIdentifier>NJ_0C02933D</TBUniqueIdentifier> <newsOrJournal>Journal</newsOrJournal> <publisherName>Frontline Medical Communications Inc.</publisherName> <storyname>Managing TIA: Early action and&#13;</storyname> <articleType>1</articleType> <TBLocation>Copyfitting-JFP</TBLocation> <QCDate/> <firstPublished>20220510T080713</firstPublished> <LastPublished>20220510T080713</LastPublished> <pubStatus qcode="stat:"/> <embargoDate/> <killDate/> <CMSDate>20220510T080712</CMSDate> <articleSource/> <facebookInfo/> <meetingNumber/> <byline>Kristen Rundell, MD;&#13;Shalina Nair, MD, MBA</byline> <bylineText/> <bylineFull>Kristen Rundell, MD;&#13;Shalina Nair, MD, MBA</bylineFull> <bylineTitleText>Kristen Rundell, MD, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, 655 North Alvernon Way, Suite 228, Tucson, AZ 85711; kristenrundell@arizona.edu Kristen Rundell, MD; Shalina Nair, MD, MBA Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson (Dr. Rundell); Department of Family and Community Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus (Dr. Nair) TABLE 1 The ABCD2 scoring system14,15 Parameter Pointsa Age ≥ 60 y 1 &lt; 60 y 0 Blood pressure elevation b Systolic ≥ 140 mm Hg or diastolic ≥ 90 mm Hg 1 Systolic &lt; 140 mm Hg and diastolic &lt; 90 mm Hg 0 Clinical features Unilateral weakness 2 Isolated speech disturbance 1 Other 0 Duration of TIA symptoms ≥ 60 min 2 10-59 min 1 &lt; 10 min 0 Diabetes Present 1 Absent 0 TIA, transient ischemic attack.a A patient with an ABCD2 score &gt; 3 should be admitted to the hospital because they have a higher associated risk of recurrent TIA or stroke.b When first assessed after TIA. TABLE 2 Antiplatelet medications: Mechanism, dosing, and adverse effects2,20,21 Drug Mechanism of action Dosing Adverse effects Notes Aspirin Irreversibly inactivates platelet cyclooxygenase Loading dose: 150-300 mgMaintenance dosage: 75-150 mg/d Gastrointestinal bleeding Cost effective Clopidogrel Inhibits platelet aggregation Loading dose: 300-600 mgMaintenance dosage: 75 mg/d Gastrointestinal bleeding, diarrhea, rash Preferred if allergic to aspirinCytochrome P450 metabolism can reduce effectiveness of other medications (eg, omeprazole) Aspirin + dipyridamole Irreversibly inactivates platelet cyclooxygenase (aspirin); inhibits platelet aggregation (dipyridamole) Aspirin 25 mg + dipyridamole 200 mga twice daily Headache,b gastrointestinal bleeding Twice-daily dosing Clopidogrel + aspirin Inhibits platelet aggregation (clopidogrel); irreversibly inactivates platelet cyclooxygenase (aspirin) Clopidogrel 75 mg + aspirin 75-150 mg, once daily Gastrointestinal bleeding, diarrhea, rash Recommended course of 21-90 d a Available in a single capsule (Aggrenox).b Common. </bylineTitleText> <USOrGlobal/> <wireDocType/> <newsDocType/> <journalDocType/> <linkLabel/> <pageRange>162-169</pageRange> <citation/> <quizID/> <indexIssueDate/> <itemClass qcode="ninat:text"/> <provider qcode="provider:"> <name/> <rightsInfo> <copyrightHolder> <name/> </copyrightHolder> <copyrightNotice/> </rightsInfo> </provider> <abstract/> <metaDescription>As many as 240,000 people per year in the United States experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA),1,2 which is now defined by the American Heart Association </metaDescription> <articlePDF>286022</articlePDF> <teaserImage/> <title>Managing TIA: Early action and essential risk-reduction steps</title> <deck>Your patient with a focal neurologic deficit is rushed to the ED for diagnostic imaging. Which initial and long-term interventions can best reduce their risk of recurrent TIA and stroke?</deck> <disclaimer/> <AuthorList/> <articleURL/> <doi/> <pubMedID/> <publishXMLStatus/> <publishXMLVersion>1</publishXMLVersion> <useEISSN>0</useEISSN> <urgency/> <pubPubdateYear>2022</pubPubdateYear> <pubPubdateMonth>May</pubPubdateMonth> <pubPubdateDay/> <pubVolume>71</pubVolume> <pubNumber>4</pubNumber> <wireChannels/> <primaryCMSID/> <CMSIDs> <CMSID>3167</CMSID> </CMSIDs> <keywords> <keyword>transient ischemic attack</keyword> <keyword> TIA</keyword> <keyword> emergency department</keyword> <keyword> neurology</keyword> <keyword> preventive care</keyword> </keywords> <seeAlsos/> <publications_g> <publicationData> <publicationCode>jfp</publicationCode> <pubIssueName>May 2022</pubIssueName> <pubArticleType>Applied Evidence | 3167</pubArticleType> <pubTopics/> <pubCategories/> <pubSections/> </publicationData> </publications_g> <publications> <term canonical="true">30</term> </publications> <sections> <term canonical="true">40</term> </sections> <topics> <term>258</term> <term canonical="true">280</term> </topics> <links> <link> <itemClass qcode="ninat:composite"/> <altRep contenttype="application/pdf">images/180020d5.PDF</altRep> <description role="drol:caption"/> <description role="drol:credit"/> </link> </links> </header> <itemSet> <newsItem> <itemMeta> <itemRole>Main</itemRole> <itemClass>text</itemClass> <title>Managing TIA: Early action and essential risk-reduction steps</title> <deck>Your patient with a focal neurologic deficit is rushed to the ED for diagnostic imaging. Which initial and long-term interventions can best reduce their risk of recurrent TIA and stroke?</deck> </itemMeta> <itemContent> <p><span class="dropcap">A</span>s many as 240,000 people per year in the United States experience a transient ischemic attack (TIA),^1,2 which is now defined by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association as a “transient episode of neurological dysfunction caused by focal brain, spinal cord, or retinal ischemia, without acute infarction.”³ An older definition of TIA was based on the duration of the event (ie, resolution of symptoms at 24 hours); in the updated (2009) definition, the diagnostic criterion is the extent of focal tissue damage.³ Using the 2009 definition might mean a decrease in the number of patients who have a diagnosis of a TIA and an increase in the number who are determined to have had a stroke because an infarction is found on initial imaging. </p> <p>Guided by the 2009 revised definition of a TIA, we review here the work-up and treatment of TIA, emphasizing <i>immediacy</i> of management to (1) prevent further tissue damage and (2) decrease the risk of a second event. </p> <p><b>CASE</b> u</p> <p>Martin L, 69 years old, retired, a nonsmoker, and with a history of peripheral arterial disease and hypercholesterolemia, presents to the emergency department (ED) of a rural hospital complaining of slurred speech and left-side facial numbness. He had an episode of facial numbness that lasted 30 minutes, then resolved, each of the 2 previous evenings; he did not seek care at those times. Now, in the ED, Mr. L is normotensive.</p> <p>The patient’s medication history includes a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and melatonin to improve sleep. He reports having discontinued a statin because he could not tolerate its adverse effects. <br/><br/>What immediate steps are recommended for Mr. L’s care?</p> <h3>Common event callsfor quick action</h3> <p>A TIA is the strongest predictor of subsequent stroke and stroke-related death; the highest period of risk of these devastating outcomes is immediately following a TIA.^1,2,4,5 It is essential, therefore, for the physician who sees a patient with a current complaint or recent history of suspected focal neurologic deficits to direct that patient to an ED for an accurate diagnosis and, as appropriate, early treatment for the best possible outcome.</p> <p>Imaging—preferably, diffusion-­weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI), the gold standard for diagnosing stroke (see “Diagnosis includes ruling out mimics”)^2,3—should be performed as soon as the patient with a suspected TIA arrives in the ED. Imaging should not be held while waiting for a stroke to declare itself—ie, by allowing symptoms to persist for longer than 24 hours.⁶ <br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Late presentation. </span>Some patients present ≥ 48 hours after onset of early symptoms of a TIA; for them, the work-up is the same as for prompt presentation but can be completed in the outpatient clinic—as long as the patient is stable clinically and imaging is accessible there. DW-MRI should be completed within 48 hours after late presentation. In such cases, the patient should be cautioned regarding risks and any recurrence of symptoms.^7,8</p> <p class="sub1">Diagnosis includes ruling out mimics</p> <p>All patients in whom a stroke is suspected should be evaluated on an emergency basis with brain imaging upon arrival at the hospital, before any therapy is initiated. As noted, DW-MRI is the preferred modality; noncontrast computed tomography (CT) or CT angiography can be used if MRI is unavailable.^2,3</p> <p><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Mimics. </span>Stroke has many mimics; quickly eliminating them from the differential diagnosis is important so that appropriate therapy can be initiated. Mimics usually have a prolonged presentation of symptoms, whereas the presentation of a TIA is usually abrupt. The 3 more common diagnoses that mimic a TIA are migraine with aura, seizure, and syncope.^9,10 Symptoms that generally are not associated with a TIA are chest pain, generalized weakness, and confusion.¹¹ A complete history and physical exam provide the path to the imaging, laboratory, and cardiac testing that is needed to differentiate these diagnoses from a TIA.<br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> A thorough history</span> is best obtained from the patient and a witness, if available, and should include identification of any focal neurologic deficits and the duration and time to resolution of symptoms. Obtain a history of risk factors for ischemia—tobacco use, diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, previous TIA or stroke, atrial fibrillation, and any coagulopathy. Ask questions about a family history of TIA, stroke, and coagulopathy.^11<br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> A comprehensive physical exam,</span> including vital signs, cardiac exam, a check for carotid bruits, and complete neurologic exam, should be performed. Most patients present with concerns for unilateral weakness and changes in speech, which are usually associated with infarction on DW-MRI.¹² The most common findings on physical exam include cranial nerve abnormalities, such as diplopia, hemianopia, monocular blindness, disconjugate gaze, facial drooping, lateral tongue movement, dysphagia, and vestibular dysfunction. Cerebellar abnormalities are also often noted, including past pointing, dystaxia, ataxia, nystagmus, and motor abnormalities (eg, spasticity, clonus, or unilateral weakness in the face or extremities).^11<br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Electrocardiography </span>at the bedside can confirm atrial fibrillation or another arrhythmia quickly. <br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Essential laboratory testing </span>includes measurement of blood glucose and serum electrolytes to determine if these particular imbalances are the cause of symptoms. The presence of a hypercoaguable state is determined by a complete blood count and coagulation studies.^3,13 Urine toxicology should also be obtained to rule out other causes of symptoms. A lipid profile is beneficial for making long-term treatment decisions. <br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> ABCD2 score.</span> Patients who have had a TIA and present within 72 hours after symptoms have resolved should be hospitalized if they have an ABCD2 (<b>A</b>ge, <b>B</b>lood pressure [BP], <b>C</b>linical presentation, <b>D</b>iabetes mellitus [type 1 or 2], <b>D</b>uration of symptoms) prediction system score &gt; 3.¹⁴ABCD2 criteria can be used to help identify patients who are at higher risk of stroke or need further therapy (<strong>TABLE 1</strong>).^14,15 <br/><br/>The ABCD2 score is also used to determine whether a patient needs dual antiplatelet therapy. Patients who score at the higher end of the ABCD2 system usually have an increased risk of stroke, longer hospitalization, and greater disability. </p> <p><b>CASE</b> u</p> <p>In the ED, Mr. L is immediately assessed and airlifted to a larger regional medical center, where MRI confirms a stroke. </p> <h3>Management</h3> <p>Initial management of a TIA is aimed at reducing the risk of recurrent TIA or stroke. Early medical and possibly surgical treatment are key for preventing stroke and improving outcomes. The first 48 hours after a TIA are the most critical because the incidence of recurrent TIA or stroke is highest during this period.^16-18 </p> <p class="sub1">What is the acceptedstrategy for early treatment?</p> <p>Initial treatment must include antiplatelet therapy, BP management, anticoagulation, statin therapy, and carotid endarterectomy as indicated.^2,19,20Control of hypertension and anticoagulation decrease the risk of recurrent stroke by the largest margin²⁰; both are “A”-level Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy interventions.^2,3 </p> <p><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Step 1: Antiplatelet therapy. </span>After initial imaging is complete and if there are no contraindications, antiplatelet agents are recommended for patients who have had a noncardioembolic TIA. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recommend either aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole + aspirin (available in a single capsule [Aggrenox]), or clopidogrel + aspirin as first-line therapy.^2,20 The choice of agent needs to be individualized, based on tolerability and adverse effects (<strong>TABLE 2</strong>^2,20,21).<br/><br/>A meta-analysis of antiplatelet therapy reviewed the optimum dosing of each medication.^21,22 Reduction of the risk of ischemic stroke with aspirin is 21% to 22% at the optimal dosing of 75 to 150 mg/d, which also reduces the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. <br/><br/>For a patient who has an ABCD2 score ≥ 4, has had a prior TIA, or has large-vessel disease, dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended for the first 21 days, with a subsequent return to monotherapy. Dual antiplatelet therapy of clopidogrel + aspirin increases the risk of adverse reactions and has not been shown to have greater long-term benefit^23-25 (<strong>TABLE 2</strong>^2,20,21).<br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Step 2: BP management. </span>This is the next immediate step. As many as 80% of patients who present with a TIA have elevated BP upon admission. BP needs to be treated and carefully monitored during this early treatment phase. The recommendation is for a systolic BP &lt; 185 mm Hg and a diastolic BP &lt; 110 mm Hg.^24<br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Step 3: Anticoagulation.</span> Treatment with warfarin or a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) is recommended for patients who have the potential for forming emboli—eg, in the setting of atrial fibrillation, ventricular thrombus, mechanical heart valve, or venous thromboembolism.<br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Step 4. High-intensity statin. </span>A statin agent is recommended as part of immediate and long-term medical management, regardless of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level, to reduce the risk of stroke.^{2,24<br/><br/>}<span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Carotid artery management.</span> Surgical intervention is not always considered a component of immediate medical management. However, guidelines recommend that carotid endarterectomy or stenting be considered in patients who have stenosis &gt; 70%.²</p> <p><b>CASE</b> u</p> <p>Mr. L is admitted to the hospital and undergoes neurosurgical intervention. Medical management is instituted. </p> <h3>Long-term managementand secondary prevention</h3> <p>The main risk factors for stroke can be divided into modifiable, vascular, and unmodifiable. Addressing both modifiable and vascular risks is important for secondary prevention. </p> <p class="sub1">Modifiable and vascular risk factors </p> <p>Modifiable risk factors for stroke include hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, and physical activity; the most important of these, for preventing subsequent stroke after an initial TIA, is hypertension.²⁶ </p> <p>The 2 more significant vascular risk factors for stroke are carotid artery stenosis and atrial fibrillation. <br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Hypertension. </span>Improving control of hypertension can improve secondary risk reduction for recurrent stroke. Control of both systolic and diastolic BP is important in this regard, with larger systolic BP reductions having a greater impact on decreasing the risk of recurrent stroke.²⁴ Evidence supports lowering BP to improve secondary risk reduction in people with and without diagnosed hypertension: The goal is to lower systolic BP by ≥ 10 mm Hg and diastolic BP by 5 mm Hg.²⁴ No particular class of antihypertensive is recommended in the first line, although preliminary evidence shows that a diuretic, with or without an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, might be more beneficial than other options.^24<br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Diabetes.</span> The risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is higher in people with diabetes. Evidence shows that various (but not all) agents in 2 pharmaceutical classes—glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and the sodium glucose-2 cotransporter (SGLT2) inhibitors—reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events and improve secondary prevention of recurrent stroke: </p> <ul class="body"> <li>EMPA-REG OUTCOME (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01131676) was the first trial to show cardiovascular benefit from an SGLT2 inhibitor (empagliflozin); subsequent studies confirmed the cardiovascular benefits found in EMPA-REG OUTCOME.^27,28 </li> <li>The ELIXA trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01147250) was the first to show cardiovascular benefit from a GLP-1 receptor agonist (lixisenatide); subsequent studies supported this finding.^29,30 </li> </ul> <p><br/><br/>Appropriate agents in these 2 classes should be considered as first-line or adjunctive in patients with both diabetes and known cardiovascular disease, as long as there are no contraindications.^{27,28<br/><br/>}Pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione-class antidiabetic agent, was once considered a potential option to improve secondary prevention of stroke. However, the thiazolidinediones are generally no longer considered; instead, the SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists are favored.^31<br/><br/>Evidence demonstrates the effect of hyperglycemia on cardiovascular events; however, it is important to note that hypoglycemia can result in symptoms and focal changes that mimic a stroke. In addition, some evidence suggests that hypoglycemia can <i>increase</i> cardiovascular risk—thereby supporting the importance of strict control of diabetes and maintenance of euglycemia in reducing overall cardiovascular risk.³² <br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Lipids. </span>The SPARCL trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00147602) was the first study to demonstrate the benefit of high-­intensity statin therapy—specifically, atorvastatin 80 mg/d—for secondary prevention for recurrent stroke.³³The recommendation is to use high-intensity statin therapy to decrease the risk of recurrent stroke by reducing the level of LDL-C—by ≥ 50% or to &lt; 70 mg/dL, for maximum risk reduction.^24,34 <br/><br/>The IMPROVE-IT trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00202878) demonstrated the benefit of adding ezetimibe, 10 mg/d, to a moderate-to-high-intensity statin (simvastatin, 40-80 mg/d) to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.³⁵ <br/><br/>Results of recent studies support the use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors for regulating levels of LDL-C, as an additional option to consider—if needed to further reduce the LDL-C level or if statins are contraindicated in a particular patient.³⁴ <br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Smoking cessation. </span>Cigarette smoking is known to increase the risk of ischemic stroke; newer evidence shows that second-hand exposure to smoke also increases the risk of ischemic stroke.^36,37 Although these studies focused on primary prevention of ischemic stroke, the data can reasonably be applied to secondary prevention.³⁸ The recommendation for secondary prevention is to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.²⁴<span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> </span><span class="intro">Alcohol. </span>Evidence demonstrates that heavy alcohol consumption and alcoholism increase the risk of stroke; similar to what is known about smoking, most available data relate to primary prevention.³⁸ The recommendation for providing secondary stroke prevention is to stop or decrease alcohol intake.²⁴ <br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Weight reduction. </span>Obesity (body mass index &gt; 30) increases the risk of ischemic stroke. However, there is, as yet, no evidence that weight loss diminishes the risk of subsequent stroke for secondary prevention.^24<br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Physical activity.</span> Aerobic exercise and strength-training programs after a stroke improve cardiovascular health and mobility. There is no evidence that exercise leads to a reduction in the risk of subsequent stroke.^24<br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Nutrition. </span>No current randomized controlled trials are focused on the relationship between diet and recurrent stroke for purposes of prevention; however, evidence for both BP and lipid control incorporate dietary guidance. Recommendations include reducing intake of saturated fats and of sodium (the latter, to &lt; 2.3 g/d) and increasing intake of fruits and vegetables, both of which are beneficial for controlling BP and lipid levels and promoting overall cardiovascular health.^38<br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Carotid artery stenosis. </span>Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated benefit from treating carotid stenosis (&gt; 70% stenosis but not &lt; 50%) with carotid endarterectomy to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke after TIA.² The ideal timing of carotid endarterectomy is still being studied; however, available evidence supports intervention within 2 to 6 weeks after TIA or stroke.²⁵ Studies are ongoing that compare carotid angioplasty and stenting against carotid endarterectomy. Medical therapy, with antiplatelet agents and statins, is recommended after carotid endarterectomy.²⁵ <br/><br/><span class="dingbat3">❚</span><span class="intro"> Atrial fibrillation</span> increases the risk of recurrent stroke after a TIA, and is the most important indication for secondary stroke prevention with anticoagulation therapy:</p> <ul class="body"> <li><i>Warfarin</i>. Several studies have shown that warfarin provides a 68% relative risk reduction and a 1.4% absolute risk reduction in the annual stroke rate.²⁴ To achieve this reduction in risk, the optimal international normalized ratio is 2.5 (range, 2-3).²⁴ </li> <li><i>Aspirin</i> provides a 13% relative risk reduction for recurrent stroke, although there is evidence that long-term anticoagulation provides more benefit than aspirin after a TIA.^39-41Optimal dosing of aspirin ranges from 75-100 mg/d; greatest benefit is likely in the 12 weeks after stroke, when the risk of recurrent stroke is highest.^31,41,42</li> <li><i>DOACs </i>have similar efficacy to warfarin but more rapid onset, lower risk of bleeding, fewer drug interactions, and no requirement for monitoring—often making them a more tolerable long-term choice. Options are rivaroxaban 20 mg/d, dabigatran 150 mg twice daily, apixaban 5 mg twice daily, and edoxaban 60 mg/d.³⁹</li> </ul> <p><br/><br/>When to start anticoagulation and the choice of agent should be weighed against a risk of bleeding, which is highest after the initial stroke. Cost is also a consideration: DOACs are more expensive than warfarin. </p> <p><b>CASE</b> u</p> <p>Mr. L is discharged 3 days after carotid endarterectomy and free of residual deficits. He is started on dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + clopidogrel) for 21 days, to be followed by a return to monotherapy. He is restarted on a high-intensity statin. He is instructed to resume taking the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and melatonin for sleep, as needed. Last, he is told to schedule follow-up with his primary care physician in 7 to 10 days to begin post-stroke care. </p> <p class="sub1">Final thoughts</p> <p>Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients with current or remote TIA symptoms. Based on that ­provider–patient relationship, evidence supports several recommendations for diagnosing and treating a TIA and for reducing the risk of recurrent stroke after TIA. Addressing each of these areas, in this order, is imperative to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke and improve overall cardiovascular outcomes:</p> <ul class="body"> <li>Obtain an accurate diagnosis of a TIA, using DW-MRI or comparable brain imaging, to allow for prompt intervention.</li> <li>Initiate BP management promptly in the acute setting and establish optimal BP control over the long term. </li> <li>Begin appropriate antiplatelet therapy.</li> <li>When indicated (eg, atrial fibrillation), begin anticoagulation therapy with a DOAC or warfarin.</li> <li>Begin high-intensity statin therapy.</li> <li>Consider treating patients with diabetes using an SGLT2 inhibitor or GLP-1 receptor agonist.</li> <li>Encourage smoking cessation, prescribe quit-smoking medications, or refer a smoker for behavioral support.</li> </ul> <p><span class="dingbat3"><br/><br/>❚</span><span class="intro"> Education.</span> Last, it is important to educate patients—especially those who have risk factors for a TIA or stroke—about the presentation of events, so that they know to seek immediate medical attention. <span class="end">JFP</span></p> <p class="sub4">CORRESPONDENCE</p> <p class="reference"> 1. 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Effects of aspirin on risk and severity of early recurrent stroke after transient ischaemic attack and ischaemic stroke: time-course analysis of randomised trials. <i>Lancet</i>. 2016;388:365-375. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30468-8</p> </itemContent> </newsItem> <newsItem> <itemMeta> <itemRole>bio</itemRole> <itemClass>text</itemClass> <title/> <deck/> </itemMeta> <itemContent> <p class="bio"> kristenrundell@arizona.edu<br/><br/></p> <p class="disclosure">The authors reported no potential conflict of interest relevant to this article.<br/><br/></p> <p class="DOI">doi: 10.12788/jfp.0398</p> </itemContent> </newsItem> <newsItem> <itemMeta> <itemRole>in</itemRole> <itemClass>text</itemClass> <title/> <deck/> </itemMeta> <itemContent> <h2>Practice recommendations</h2> <p><em>In the hospital, the treating physician should: </em></p> <p><em><span class="dingbat1">❯</span><span class="dingbat1"> </span>Immediately initiate brain imaging with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging when TIA is suspected, upon the patient’s arrival at the hospital. <span class="dingbat1">❯</span><span class="dingbat1"> </span>Control blood pressure when a TIA is confirmed, to decrease the risk of recurrent stroke. <span class="dingbat1">❯</span><span class="dingbat1"> </span>Initiate antiplatelet therapy, to decrease the risk of recurrent stroke. </em></p> </itemContent> </newsItem> <newsItem> <itemMeta> <itemRole>t1</itemRole> <itemClass>text</itemClass> <title/> <deck/> </itemMeta> <itemContent> </itemContent> </newsItem> <newsItem> <itemMeta> <itemRole>t2</itemRole> <itemClass>text</itemClass> <title/> <deck/> </itemMeta> <itemContent> </itemContent> </newsItem> </itemSet></root>