What question did this study set out to answer?

To summarize evidence on lasting impairments following transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke.

May 8, 2026

Abstract Number: Esoc2026a1335 Inconsistent Definitions and Unseen Impacts: A Living Systematic Review of Impairments Following Transient Ischaemic Attack (Tia) and Minor Stroke

Key Points

To summarize evidence on lasting impairments following transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke.
Conducted a living systematic review following Cochrane guidance.
Performed systematic searches across multiple databases including PubMed and EMBASE.
Evaluated methodological quality using JBI critical appraisal tools.
Included 215 articles out of 29,453 screened, confirming lasting impairments in areas like cognition and quality of life.
Cognition was the most studied domain but had diverse assessment tools and varying objectives across studies.

Abstract

Abstract Background and aims Increasing evidence suggests that people with TIA and minor stroke experience enduring impairments across a range of domains. Given the rapid growth of research in the field, a living systematic review was conducted to summarise the evidence into lasting impairments experienced post TIA and minor stroke to guide clinical management. Methods We followed the Cochrane guidance for living systematic reviews. Systematic searches of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, APA PsycNet and Cochrane library were undertaken, along with manual searching of relevant reference lists. Articles focused on adults with a TIA or minor stroke and included quantitative outcome measures of fatigue, cognition, communication, depression, anxiety, quality of life, return to work/education and/or social participation. JBI critical appraisal tools were used to evaluate the methodological quality of included articles. Results The initial search was rerun in June 2025. Of 29 453 title and abstracts screened, 450 articles underwent full text review, with 215 included. Diverse diagnostic criteria were used. There was confirmation of lasting impairments spanning fatigue, cognition, communication, depression, anxiety, quality of life, return to work/education and/or social participation. Cognition was most frequently investigated; assessment tools used, cutoff points and time since stroke were variable. Conclusions This systematic review shows that following a TIA and/or minor stroke, patients experience many impairments, often ‘invisible’. It highlights the need for an agreed core outcome set for future research so that findings can be combined and compared. In accordance with the Cochrane living systematic review process, the systematic review will be updated annually. Conflict of interest Birgitte Hede Ebessen: nothing to disclose; Jennifer Crow: nothing to disclose; Emma Finch: nothing to disclose; Tenelle Hodson: nothing to disclose; Eirini Kontou: nothing to disclose; Gary Crowfoot: nothing to disclose; Boris Modrau: nothing to disclose; Jade Kettlewell: nothing to disclose; Paul Mackie: nothing to disclose; Grace Turner: nothing to disclose

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