What is the treatment for a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
TIA Therapy Treatment for a transient ischemic attack is aimed at preventing a second stroke. Since there is no way of determining the severity of future episodes and no guarantee that the symptoms will resolve, prevention of a future TIA or CVA is crucial. Treatment guidelines address a variety of targeted goals. Anti-platelet therapy • If the patient was not taking aspirin when the TIA occurred, it needs to be started (325mg per day). • If the patient was taking aspirin, then another anti-platelet drug called dipyridamole needs to be added. Aggrenox is a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole. • If the patient cannot tolerate aspirin, then clopidogrel (Plavix) should be used. High blood pressure therapy • Even if the patient does not have hypertension or high blood pressure, there may be benefit in taking anti-hypertensive medications. • Two classes of drugs are recommended to be started at the same time, a diuretic and an ACE inhibitor. • The goal for normal blood pressure is 120/8
