TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACKS AND MINOR STROKES: HOW NEWER TECHNOLOGIES ARE HELPING IN BETTER DIAGNOSIS OF HIGH-RISK PATIENTS AND RESPONSE TO TREATMENT

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death. In more than 30% of patients a disabling stroke is preceded by milder transient symptoms.The risk of stroke in patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and minor stroke may be very high in the initial days following the symptoms. Identification of such patients and appropriate treatment can lead to a significant decrease in the risk of subsequent stroke. This review will focus on two important issues; the impact of introduction of newer technology on identification of high-risk patients and the recent advances in antithrombotic therapy in stroke prevention in patients with TIAs and minor stroke. Appropriate use of imaging and cardiac rhythm monitoring allow for identification of high risk patients and the use of dual antiplatelet therapy early, following an acute TIA or minor stroke, significantly reduces the risk of recurrence.