DIAGNOSIS OF CAROTID ARTERIES STENOSIS SUBSEQUENT TO TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK: A TWO-SIDED APPROACH
The purpose of the research was to estimate the first-line diagnostics efficiency of constricted carotid arteries pathologies in transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients, as well as therapy continuity and public awareness of TIA. Methods and materials. 1. An analysis of patient medical records (n=67) with the carotid system TIA, registered as receiving medical aid in 2003-2009, was conducted. 2. A sociological survey (n=341) aimed at TIA awareness assessment among the working population was performed. Results. According to the obtained data, 36 % of patients after a TIA episode were found to undergo no subsequent follow-up examination or further treatment. Duplex ultrasonography of carotid arteries was carried out exclusively in 34.33 % of patients. The severity of TIA symptoms were revealed to be underestimated as a tendency by the studied population: in cases of transitory monoparesis and/or amaurosis, emergency medical aid was likely to be sought by 31.37 % and 19.35 %, accordingly. Conclusion. The study has demonstrated the level of first-line diagnostics efficiency of carotid artery stenosis to be generally inadequate, possibly due to insufficient continuity of patient therapy and lack of TIA complications severity awareness among the population.