Oregon residents may be interested to learn that research from the University of Birmingham disputes the notion that TIAs, or mini-strokes, and their aftereffects are temporary in nature. The study also asserts that clinical guidelines should be revised to recognize the long-term impact of the health condition.
A TIA takes place when blood flow to the brain in interrupted, causing symptoms that resemble those of a stroke, but are often resolved after no more than a day. According to the study, mini-stroke patients later contacted their general practitioners regarding issues such as anxiety, fatigue and mental deficiencies. Follow ups with TIA patients show that they have an increased risk of experiencing these ailments.
The current guidelines regarding TIAs evolve around the quick assessment of those with TIA symptoms and diagnosing methods. The management of the factors that contribute to stroke risks is the focus of any follow-up contact. Unlike with strokes patients, there are no clinical guidelines for TIAs that address any subsequent health impairments requiring rehabilitative services.
The study, which was financed by the National Institute for Health Research, or NIHR, used primary care records obtained from The Health Improvement Network’s electronic database. The average age of the patients that were sampled was 74, and 52 percent were women. Using a control group of patients of identical gender and age as a basis for comparison, the study determined that there was a 45 percent increase in risk for cognitive impairment, 43 percent for fatigue and 26 percent for psychological impairments, such as depression or anxiety.
If a negligent physician fails to diagnose a medical condition or does not properly address lingering heath issues during a follow-up, the physician may have committed malpractice. A malpractice attorney may be consulted to inquire about whether a suit should be filed.