Optimizing Early Detection of TIA: A Literature Review of Clinical and Technological Screening Methods
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53713/htechj.v3i3.371Keywords:
TIA, stroke, Detection, emergency, mhealthAbstract
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a critical predictor of future stroke, yet it is frequently underrecognized due to its transient and often mild neurological manifestations. This literature review aims to synthesize clinical and technological approaches for early screening and detection of TIA, emphasizing strategies aligned with timely intervention and stroke prevention. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, identifying 94 articles. Following PRISMA guidelines, 10 studies were selected based on inclusion criteria related to early detection, emergency response, and digital health interventions. The analysis yielded three major themes: (1) the clinical relevance of early recognition of subtle neurological symptoms, (2) the role of emergency medical services and prehospital screening tools, and (3) the emergence of mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine platforms in supporting early TIA detection. Findings indicate that while TIA symptoms are transient, they signal a significant risk of subsequent stroke, underscoring the need for prompt and accurate assessment. Technological innovations such as mobile applications and teleconsultation enhance traditional diagnostic methods but face challenges in implementation, including disparities in digital access and limited public awareness. In conclusion, integrating clinical vigilance with scalable technological solutions holds promise for improving early TIA detection, particularly in resource limited or remote settings. It is recommended that health systems invest in training emergency responders and adopt validated digital tools into prehospital protocols. Future research should focus on clinical validation and real-world integration of mHealth platforms to support global stroke prevention efforts.
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Bourand, N., & Brorson, J. R. (2022). Predictors of very early stroke recurrence in the POINT trial population. BMC Neurology, 22(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1186/S12883-022-02703-4/FIGURES/2
Cucchiara, B., Elm, J., Easton, J. D., Coutts, S. B., Willey, J. Z., Biros, M. H., Ross, M. A., & Johnston, S. C. (2020). Disability After Minor Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack in the POINT Trial. Stroke, 51(3), 792–799. https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.119.027465/SUPPL_FILE/STR_STROKE-2019-027465_SUPP1.PDF
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Patomella, A. H., Farias, L., Eriksson, C., Guidetti, S., & Asaba, E. (2021). Engagement in Everyday Activities for Prevention of Stroke: Feasibility of an mHealth-Supported Program for People with TIA. Healthcare 2021, Vol. 9, Page 968, 9(8), 968. https://doi.org/10.3390/HEALTHCARE9080968
Rees, N., Bulger, J., Dewar, R., Edwards, A., Evans, B., Moore, C., Porter, A., Seagrove, A., Sewell, B., Snooks, H., Watkins, A., Whitmann, S., Ali, K., Ford, G., Pryce, A., & Quinn, T. (2016). TRANSIENT ISCHAEMIC ATTACK 999 EMERGENCY REFERRAL (TIER): FEASIBILITY TRIAL. Emergency Medicine Journal, 33(9), e13–e13. https://doi.org/10.1136/EMERMED-2016-206139.41
Romano, J. G., Gardener, H., Campo-Bustillo, I., Khan, Y., Tai, S., Riley, N., Smith, E. E., Sacco, R. L., Khatri, P., Alger, H. M., MacGrory, B., Gulati, D., Sangha, N. S., Craig, J. M., Olds, K. E., Benesch, C. G., Kelly, A. G., Brehaut, S. S., Kansara, A. C., & Schwamm, L. H. (2021). Predictors of Outcomes in Patients with Mild Ischemic Stroke Symptoms: MaRISS. Stroke, 52(6), 1995–2004. https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.120.032809/SUPPL_FILE/STR_STROKE-2020-032809_SUPP1.PDF
Vrindha, K., & C, S. (2025). Navigating the AI Landscape in Libraries: A PRISMA-Based Systematic Analysis of AI Applications in Libraries. Journal of Web Librarianship, 19(1), 45–61. https://doi.org/10.1080/19322909.2025.2468697
Wangqin, R., Wang, X., Wang, Y., Xian, Y., Zhao, X., Liu, L., Li, H., Meng, X., & Wang, Y. (2017). Risk factors associated with 90-day recurrent stroke in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy for minor stroke or high-risk TIA: a subgroup analysis of the CHANCE trial. Stroke and Vascular Neurology, 2(4), 176–183. https://doi.org/10.1136/SVN-2017-000088
Watkins, A., Jones, J. K., Ali, K., Dewar, R., Edwards, A., Evans, B. A., Evans, L., Ford, G. A., Hampton, C., John, R., Jones, C., Moore, C., Obiako, M., Porter, A., Pryce, A., Quinn, T., Seagrove, A. C., Snooks, H., Whitman, S., & Rees, N. (2024). Transient Ischaemic attack Emergency Referral (TIER): randomised feasibility trial results. Emergency Medicine Journal, 41(12), 710–716. https://doi.org/10.1136/EMERMED-2021-212230
