UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Transient Neurological Attack

Category: Neurology

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

Posted: 1/24/2008 by Aisha Liferidge, MD (Updated: 11/22/2024)
Click here to contact Aisha Liferidge, MD

  • 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