Potential neuroprotective effects of transient ischaemic attacks in acute ischaemic stroke

Aims: There has recently emerged rather convincing evidence that brief ischemic events, clinically manifested as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), may bring about ischemic tolerance, i.e. have a protective effect on the development of more severe ischemic brain lesion that often follows TIAs. Objective: The paper aims to evaluate the clinical correlates that may show the presence of ischemic preconditioning in the development of ischemic stroke preceded by one or more TIAs. Methods and subjects: 218 retrospective patients treated for acute ischemic stroke in the previous five years were classified into 4 relati…