What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Headache Attributed to TIA
• Headache Attributed to Transient Ischaemic Attack
• Headache due to Transient Ischemic Attack

What is Headache Attributed to Transient Ischemic Attack? (Definition/Background Information)

• Headache Attributed to Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is a headache disorder that occurs secondary to a transient ischemic attack; the sudden-onset headache may be observed along-with other signs and symptoms of TIA. It is also known to subside and regress within a day
• Transient ischemic attack (normally observed for 1-2 hours or less) is a brief stoppage of blood flow to the brain. It often precedes a brain stroke and serves as an early warning sign for a ‘future stroke’. Headache is often not a prominent feature of TIA
• The neurological signs and symptoms of transient ischemic attack observed simultaneously along-with the sudden and intense headache may include dizziness, confusion, balance issues, speaking difficulties, vision problems, and memory loss

The criteria for diagnosis of Headache Attributed to Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• A transient ischemic attack (TIA) has been diagnosed
• Any new headache fulfilling the criterion below
• Evidence of causation demonstrated by both of the following:
  • Headache has developed simultaneously with other symptoms and/or clinical signs of TIA
  • Headache resolves within 24 hours
• Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)

Differential diagnosis: It is important to exclude migraine with aura that presents similar features as a TIA. Other differential diagnosis includes arterial dissection.