Examination of a 73-year-old Woman Presenting After a Suspected TIA course for GPs

This session uses a video clip to demonstrate how to carry out a focused, problem-based physical (neurological and targeted cardiovascular) on a patient presenting with dysarthria in primary care.

This session was reviewed by Khyati Bakhai and last updated in September 2018.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• List the common risk factors for transient ischaemic attacks
• Describe how to use the ABCD2 scoring system to grade the urgency of referral of TIA patients to secondary care for investigation
• Explain why examination of the neurological and cardiovascular systems are necessary and obtain consent
• Carry out a neurological examination on a patient presenting with a transient ischaemic attack
• Carry out a targeted cardiovascular examination on a patient with a transient ischaemic attack

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is a central nervous system disturbance that lasts for less than 24 hours and results in a temporary focal loss of function. Patients often present some time after the event and usually have no residual signs or symptoms.