What is the best management for patients who have a TIA while on aspirin therapy?

Abstract

Alternative antiplatelet therapy for stroke prevention is indicated for patients who experience transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) while on aspirin therapy (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on 1 meta- analysis and 1 randomized controlled trial). The combination of aspirin and extended- release dipyridamole reduces the risk of stroke following a TIA (SOR: A). Thienopyridines (eg, clopidogrel and ticlopidine) are an alternative for patients at high risk for a cardioembolic event. Ticlopidine reduces the risk of stroke following TIA, specifically showing benefit for patients previously on aspirin (SOR: A). Clopidogrel has not shown significant reduction in reoccurrence of stroke and has not been studied for patients with a previous TIA. Aspirin and a thienopyridine do not provide significant additional reduction in secondary strokes (SOR: A).