title: Long term evolution of patients treated in a TIA unit.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Transient ischemic attacks (TIA) entail a high risk of stroke recurrence, which depends on the etiology. New organizational models have been created, but there is not much information about the long-term evolution of patients managed according to these premises. Our aim is to refer the follow-up of patients attended according to our model of TIA Unit.
  
  
  METHODS
  TIA Unit is located in the Emergency Department and staffed by vascular neurologists. Patients admitted during the Neurology night shift stayed in such Unit <48h with complete etiological study. Preventive treatment is instituted in patients discharged to a high resolution Neurology consult, in order to review in <2 weeks and subsequent follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During a year 161 patients were attended, being admitted to the hospital 8.6%. A total of 1470 hospital days were avoided. Recurrence at 90 days was of 0.6%. Mean follow-up was 18.14 ± 8.02 months (0-34), total recurrence 6.2% (70% cardioembolic strokes). There were no complications derived from treatment. Cardiological events were recorded in 10.6%, neoplastic in 5%, cognitive impairment in 11%. There were 3 deaths unrelated nor to the stroke or its treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This model allows an early diagnosis and treatment of TIA, preventing recurrences of stroke in a long term. It detects atherothrombotic strokes, most of them admitted to the hospital, and it shows a greater difficulty for detecting all cardioembolic strokes. TIA Unit appeared to be safe in using anticoagulation therapy, as the follow-up shows. It shows the same quality of management than hospital admission, with a significant saving in hospital stays.
authors: Neurology Department, University Hospital "Central de Asturias", C/Julián Clavería s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain. ibf.benfer@gmail.com.
authors: Lorena
authors: L
authors: Benavente
authors: Sergio
authors: S
authors: Calleja
authors: Davinia
authors: D
authors: Larrosa
authors: Juan
authors: J
authors: Vega
authors: Gerard
authors: G
authors: Mauri
authors: Julio
authors: J
authors: Pascual
authors: Carlos H
authors: CH
authors: Lahoz
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