Treatment and Prevention
The first thing to do after a recent TIA is to be assessed by a physician
to confirm the diagnosis, and to begin treatments to lower the risk of having
a stroke. Basically, this involves use of anti-platelet medicines
to minimize the chance of further clot formation. Acetylsalicylic acid* (aspirin),
ticlopidine, clopidogrel, and a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole are
medications that are commonly used to thin the blood and inhibit blood clot
formation. In special circumstances, an anticoagulant medication called
warfarin may be prescribed for stroke prevention. Other medications such as
blood pressure-lowering agents and cholesterol-lowering agents may be considered
for long-term stroke risk reduction.
Surgery for blockages in the carotid artery may be recommended for stroke
prevention if there is severe (more than 70%) blockage. It's important to
heed the warning given by a TIA, especially when many of the risk factors for
stroke can be reduced. Stop smoking, reduce excess weight, and keep alcohol
intake to a minimum. It is even more important to control high blood pressure.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name
is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®).
The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen).
A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article
lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names,
speak with your doctor or pharmacist.