Rate and Prognosis of Brain Ischemia in Patients with Lower-Risk Transient or Persistent Minor Neurologic Events

Abstract

Importance: Early treatment of patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) reduces the risk of stroke. However, many patients present with symptoms that have an uncertain diagnosis. Patients with motor, speech, or prolonged symptoms are at the highest risk for recurrent stroke and the most likely to undergo comprehensive investigations. Lower-risk patients are much more likely to be cursorily investigated. Objective: To establish the frequency of acute infarct defined by diffusion restriction detected on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan (DWI positive). Design, Setting, and Participants: The Diagnosis of Uncertain-Origin Benign Transient Neurological Sy..