You are called for a 69-year-old male with altered mental status. Assessment reveals him to be confused and have left-sided weakness. During transport, you note that the patient is now completely oriented and the weakness has resolved. What condition would you suspect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sudden onset of confusion and weakness, followed by complete resolution during transport, suggests that the patient had a transient ischemic attack (TIA). TIAs are often called "mini-strokes" and occur when blood flow to the brain is briefly interrupted, causing temporary neurological symptoms. It is important to evaluate and manage TIAs promptly, as they can increase the risk of a full-blown stroke.

You Are Called for a 69-Year-Old Male with Altered Mental