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Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is an important risk factor for stroke, but the urgency with which TIA patients should be evaluated remains controversial. Patients with TIA have a high short-term risk for stroke, with rates of up to 10% in the first week following an attack. Until now, however, evidence that early intervention alters that outcome has been lacking. Two recent studies show that rapid evaluation and treatment dramatically reduce stroke rates.
Rothwell and colleagues examined whether earlier evaluation and treatment of patients referred to their TIA clinic would reduce the rate of subsequent stroke. From April 2002 through September 2004, patients were referred by a cumbersome process that could delay treatment by as much as 14 …