Rate and associated factors of transient ischemic attack misdiagnosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to investigate the rate and associated factors of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) misdiagnosis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with an initial diagnosis of TIA in the emergency department (ED) in a 9-month period. All hospitalized TIA patients were evaluated by a neurologist within 24 h and had at least one hospital discharge follow-up visit within three months. Patients' clinical data and neuroimaging were reviewed. The final diagnosis was independently verified by two stroke neurologists. RESULTS: = .018) retained independent association with TIA misdiagnosis. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates a high rate of TIA misdiagnosis in the emergency department, hospital, and outpatient clinics.