True | False | Unsure | Evidence | |
---|---|---|---|---|
n | n | n | ||
1.A repeat CT scan in 7 days should be performed | 6 | 11 | 15 | Whilst diagnosis of a TIA is a clinical one, the use of imaging enables clinicians to confirm ischaemia, exclude haemorrhage or any other pathology mimicking a stroke. A CT scan after 8–10 days however, is less sensitive to haemorrhage and an MRI may be the more appropriate investigation [22]. |
2.Carotid duplex need not be done as symptoms were not in the carotid territory | 5 | 25 | 2 | As ‘best clinical practice’ the National Stroke Foundation [23] recommends that patients with carotid territory symptoms who would be candidates for surgery have a carotid duplex ultrasound. However, the reliability in determining the correct vascular territory clinically is only moderate in neurologists [24]. Bloods should be obtained routinely in all patients for a full blood picture, electrolytes, renal function, fasting lipids, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and/or C-reactive protein and glucose. An ECG should be performed in all patients, with attention to the presence of atrial fibrilliation (AF). |
3.Bloods should be taken for FBE, ESR, BGL, lipids,UEC | 31 | 1 | 0 | |
4.ECG not needed as PR is regular | 2 | 28 | 2 |