Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Treatment

Medical Treatment

Treatment of TIA is aimed at preventing a future stroke.

• Minimizing risk factors is a priority, including optimizing blood pressure, cholesterol, and controlling diabetes.
  
  
• Aspirin is the drug of choice to prevent future TIAs or stroke. Aspirin makes platelets less sticky and prevents clot formation.
  
  
• If the TIA occurs when the patient is already taking aspirin, then alternative anti-platelet drugs like clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix) or aspirin-dipyridamole ER (Aggrenox) may be indicated.
  
  
• If the carotid ultrasound shows major narrowing of the artery (stenosis), referral to a vascular surgeon may be necessary to unclog the artery with a carotid endarterectomy.