The Effects of "Transient Ischemic Attack Unit" on Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Stroke and Other Vascular Events

Objective: Identifying the etiology and early treatment may prevent patients from having a disabling ischemic stroke following the transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke. Therefore, our primary aim was to increase awareness of TIA and minor stroke and provide early intervention via a TIA Unit. In addition, we also aimed to analyze the benefit provided by TIA Unit in terms of prognosis and length of hospital stay.
Materials and Methods: Before starting the study, brochures and posters with information about the symptoms of TIA and minor ischemic stroke and mobile phone numbers of research fellow were distributed in the clinics and hung on the main boards, and presentation of the TIA Unit was made to the healthcare professionals of ---- University Medical Faculty Hospitals. Afterwards, consecutive 69 patients admitted with symptoms of TIA or minor ischemic stroke (NIHSS = <5) between 16th September 2019 to 15th September 2020 were included in the study group prospectively. The hospital charts of 90 consecutive patients admitted with TIA or minor ischemic stroke (NIHSS = <5) were retrospectively evaluated for the control group from 16th September 2018 to 15th September 2019. Two groups of patients admitted before and after the TIA unit was compared in terms of the timing of etiologic diagnosis and treatment, length of hospital stay, and prognosis.
Results: There was no significant difference in vascular events and vascular mortality between the two groups. However, in logistic regression analysis, hospital stay was significantly shorter in the study group (p=0.015).
Conclusion: TIA and minor stroke should be recognized quickly, and diagnostic tests should be performed as soon as possible to shorten the period of hospital stay and reduce the costs and complications related to longer hospitalization.