What is causing crescendo transient ischemic attacks?
METHODS
We discuss a case report from a patient who had symptoms of transient neurological deficits in the presence of a chronic subdural hematoma and severe carotid stenosis. Multi-modality imaging was used to guide management.


RESULTS
The symptoms settled without carotid intervention and were presumed due to the subdural hematoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Severe symptomatic carotid stenosis is treated with carotid endarterectomy. In some patients with transient neurological deficits, the diagnosis is not as simple as first thought. Multi-modality imaging (MRI, TCD and CT) can help differentiate the causative lesion.
Coutts
Shelagh B
SB
Seaman Family MR Centre, Foothills Medical Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
Simon
Jessica E
JE
Hudon
Mark E
ME
Demchuk
Andrew M
AM
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006408:Hematoma, Subdural / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D020244:Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed