Some patients with transient ischemic attack and minor stroke become disabled within 3 months, even without having a recurrent vascular event, a study in Stroke shows.

Of about 500 prospectively identified patients with TIA or minor stroke (modified Rankin Scale score less than 2), 15% were disabled (mRS 2 or above) at 3 months. Those with recurrent events were significantly more likely to become disabled than those without them (53% vs. 12%). However, three quarters of those who became disabled had no recurrent event to explain the disability, but instead deteriorated after the initial event.

Predictors of disability were baseline abnormalities on computed tomography or CT angiography, ongoing symptoms at presentation, female sex, and diabetes.

The authors conclude that “treatment options such as thrombolysis should be considered” in patients with acute stroke, symptomatic intracranial or extracranial occlusion, or at least 50% stenosis, as well as ongoing symptoms, because they are at highest risk for disability.

Source: Stroke