Current concepts in managing TIAs and stroke.

No permanent neurologic deficit results from a transient ischemic attack, but patients with these episodes are at risk of stroke. Successful treatment depends on identifying the source of the problem--the heart, blood, or vessel wall. However, anticoagulants and antiplatelet agglutinating agents will reduce only the incidence of TIA's, not the incidence of stroke. Prompt vigorous treatment of progressive stroke may avert completed stroke. Heparin is recommended, unless a specific etiologic factor, such as polycythemia or hypertension, is identified.