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Stroke and transient ischaemic attack - Management
What investigations should I consider for someone who has had a TIA?
Follow local arrangements on which tests should be done in primary care.
- For people with a transient ischaemic attack and at low risk for early stroke, consider arranging the following tests to be done before they are seen in secondary care:
- Blood tests:
- Full blood count.
- Urea and electrolytes.
- Glucose.
- Lipid profile.
- Liver function tests.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
- Electrocardiography if there are signs of atrial fibrillation, such as an irregular pulse.
Basis for recommendation
- These recommendations are based on CKS expert reviewers' opinion of what constitutes good practice:
- Local arrangements vary as to which tests are recommended to be done in primary care and which in secondary care.
- Electrocardiography is recommended to be done in primary care because paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may be missed if this test is delayed until the person is seen in secondary care.
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