UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Neurology

Title: Transient Neurological Attack

Keywords: transient neurological attack, transient ischemic attack, TNA, TIA, stroke (PubMed Search)

Posted: 1/24/2008 by Aisha Liferidge, MD (Updated: 4/25/2024)
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Transient Neurological Attack (TNA) = attacks of sudden onset consisting of focal or non-focal neurological deficit, lasting no longer than 24 hours.
Examples of TNA include TIA (when the deficit is focal), global amnesia, acute confusion, and syncope without a known cause.
Patients who experience non-focal TNA are at higher risk for major vascular diseases and dementia than those without TNA.

Bos, et al. "Incidence and Prognosis of Transient Neurologcial Attacks, " JAMA, pgs. 2877-85. Dec. 26, 2007.

Johnston. "Transient Neurological Attack: A Useful Concept?," JAMA, pgs. 2912-13. Dec. 26, 2007