Parenchymal “Damage” in Transient Ischemic Attacks (Tias) and Prolonged Reversible Ischemic Neurologic Deficits (Prinds):—The Role of Cranial CT and EEG

Abstract

Over a period of 6 years (1985–1990) we reviewed records of patients with one or more TIAs or PRINDs (196 TIAs, 63 PRINDs) 111 patients (42.9%) suffered from TIAs/PRINDs of the anterior circulation. In all cranial CT scanning (CCT) was performed, whereas only in 79 EEG was recorded after recovery from the symptoms. 25 patients (22.5%) out of the 111 showed low density areas of recent onset in CCT made responsible for the attack. Among the EEGs of the 79 patients 35 (44.3%) revealed corresponding electrical abnormalities. Out of the 79 patients investigated by both methods in 14 (17.7%) a lesion was demonstrated in CCT and focal abnormality in EEG. In 11 (13.9%) EEG was normal despite a lesion manifested in CCT. Vice versa 21 patients (26.6%) showed normal CCTs but focal abnormalities in EEG. By far most cases (43%) had normal CCTs and EEGs.

These results may contribute to a redefinition of TIA and PRIND as clinically defined syndroms in prae-CT-area.

Keywords:

• TIA
• PRIND
• carotid artery
• cranial CT
• EEG