Can the UK guidelines for stroke be effective? Attitudes to the symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack among the general public and doctors.

Clinical Medicine : Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London
Vamshi P JagadeshamMichael J Gough

Abstract

This questionnaire-based study assessed the attitudes of the general public to the symptoms of a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and determined the current level of knowledge about the management of TIA among doctors. The public chose to wait for symptom recurrence before seeking medical advice for amaurosis (41%) and upper limb (UL) monoparesis (51%), sensory loss (68%), or paraesthesia (95%). However, medical advice would be sought most often for slurred speech alone (89%) or combined with UL monoparesis (99%). Most physicians confirmed that these symptoms could represent a 'carotid TIA' but many considered diverse symptoms as relevant. While most general practitioners would prescribe anti-platelet therapy, 22-40% would not refer first-time TIA patients, depending upon the presenting symptom. In conclusion, the general public does not recognise the importance of TIA symptoms and the need for rapid assessment. This is compounded by deficiencies in the medical management of TIA. Stroke guidelines will remain ineffective without public awareness campaigns and physician education.

Citations

Nov 1, 2011·Clinical Medicine : Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London·K AbbasM J Gough
Jan 23, 2013·International Journal of Stroke : Official Journal of the International Stroke Society·Andreas CharidimouDavid J Werring
Mar 14, 2018·Journal of Primary Health Care·Priyanka BoseAmit Mistri
Dec 31, 2014·The British Journal of General Practice : the Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners·Parker MaginDaniel Lasserson
Apr 1, 2010·Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England·Z GamieM J Gough

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