Good that the TIA has passed.
I wasn't on the original thread, but have had the TIA experience with my DW some 23 years ago. I'll defer to Rich on the thoughts and recommendations posted here in 2013. Sounded very knowledgeable.
I would go back to our own situation, to try and explain my thoughts on the subject. i think the term "transient" ischemic attack can be misleading, as it sounds as if it's something that comes and goes.
First off, we, at our age, we have a number of friends who have suffered from this, always recovering, and hoping it won't happen again. I'm a little more reluctant to leave it like that, and more inclined to want to know the specific reason for the attack.
In our case, it happened when she was line dancing, and suddenly had trouble speaking. We were in FL at the time, and went to the localhospital, where they diagnosed it as a TIA... It so happened that the chief surgeon for the greater Tampa area was in the hospital at the time, and was called in to the ER... He immediately ordered a CT or MRA scan and found a blockage in the carotid artery, below the jawline, on the neck. Other than this immediate diagnosis, we probably would have lost her. Quickly into the OR where the Dr. performed a very difficult surgery... opening up the carotid artery and delicately extracting a clot.. a four inch incision. Afterwards, he came in to see us, and showed a picture of the clot. The major part of the clot was on the way up to the brain, which might have been the end. Instead, the tail end of the clot, was still stuck to the wall of the artery, and was able to be removed. The Dr. kept a picture of the clot he removed, to show at his lectures, as an example of difficult surgery. We were forever grateful, an no recurrence since that scary day.
My reason for posting, is to highlight the concept of diagnosing the cause, if possible, and not to dismiss the attacks as something that just comes and goes. While this is not always possible, my thinking is that if the attack is in progress, rather than just treating it as being transitory, to attempt a diagnosis. In our case, it was definitely the difference between life and death.
Here's a link to Mayo, that presents the different means of diagnosis.
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/transient-ischemic-attack/diagnosis-treatment/diagnosis/dxc-20314631
I am not a doctor, and this experience may not be pertinent to other cases, but thought to pass it along, as a case where we dodged the bullet.
As to anti clotting drugs... A subject all by itself, and an exercise in understanding the different approaches that are in the process of developing the best drugs. Definitely not cut and dried, and not a simple process for the patient. Warfarin is probably most prescribed, but requires considerable follow up and testing. I have AFIB, and have been prescribed Xarelto, which doesn't require as much follow up testing, but which present its' own downsides, not the least of which is cost. Learning about the pluses and minuses is a major study in itself.
Just a personal experience and not intended to give medical advice.
