TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACKS

Each day, about 25 Australians experience a transient ischaemic attack of the brain or eye. These people need to be distinguished from those who suffer ''funny turns'' due to other causes because, as a group, they have a significant risk of stroke and other vascular events. This risk can be substantially reduced through control of vascular risk factors, use of long term antithrombotic medication and, in some cases, carotid endarterectomy. Strategies for stroke prevention need to involve both the ''high risk'' and population ''mass'' approach, which are complementary.