Which statement best differentiates a transient ischemic attack (TIA) from a completed ischemic stroke?

Which statement best differentiates a transient ischemic attack (TIA) from a completed ischemic stroke?

• A. TIA presents with focal neurologic deficits that completely resolve within 24 hours and there is no acute infarct on imaging.
• B. TIA deficits resolve only if treated.
• C. TIA always involves consciousness changes.
• D. TIA is characterized by persistent deficits with infarct on imaging.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is the difference between a reversible, transient event and actual tissue injury. A transient ischemic attack involves a sudden focal neurologic deficit that completely resolves and, when checked with imaging, shows no acute infarction. That absence of tissue damage on imaging is what distinguishes a TIA from a completed stroke, where deficits persist beyond a brief period and an acute infarct is visible. Consciousness changes aren’t required for TIAs, and deficits do not depend on treatment to resolve. The statement that deficits disappear within 24 hours and there is no acute infarct on imaging captures this distinction: full symptom resolution plus no acute infarct points to a TIA rather than a completed ischemic stroke.

The main idea is the difference between a reversible, transient event and actual tissue injury. A transient ischemic attack involves a sudden focal neurologic deficit that completely resolves and, when checked with imaging, shows no acute infarction. That absence of tissue damage on imaging is what distinguishes a TIA from a completed stroke, where deficits persist beyond a brief period and an acute infarct is visible. Consciousness changes aren’t required for TIAs, and deficits do not depend on treatment to resolve. The statement that deficits disappear within 24 hours and there is no acute infarct on imaging captures this distinction: full symptom resolution plus no acute infarct points to a TIA rather than a completed ischemic stroke.