Differential diagnosis of TIA

Haematological

• Anaemia

Metabolic

• Hypoglycaemia
• Electrolyte derangement
• Acidosis
• Hypoxaemia
• Hypercarbia

Cardiogenic

• Valvular heart disease
  • Aortic stenosis
• Rhythm disorder
  • Tachyarrythmia; Atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
  • Bradyarrythmia; Heart block, sick sinus syndrome

Embolic

• Extracranial vessels, especially origin of internal carotid artery
• Aortic arch (aneurysm, atherosclerosis)
• Cardiac chambers
• Venous system via patent septal defect with right to left shunt

Brain

• Mechanical
  • Trauma
  • Tumour, primary or secondary
  • Infection
  • Hydrocephalus
• Functional
  • Epilepsy, migraine