A patient who has had a TIA is often placed on

• A. Sedatives
• B. Antibiotics
• C. Prophylactic antithrombotic treatment like aspirin or clopidogrel
• D. Immunization

Answer: (C)

The key idea is preventing another brain ischemia after a TIA. The main goal is secondary prevention by reducing clot formation that could cause a future stroke. Antiplatelet therapy, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, directly targets this risk by inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation in cerebral vessels. This is why it’s the preferred approach after a non-cardioembolic TIA. Aspirin is a common first-line option, and clopidogrel is a good alternative if aspirin isn’t suitable. In some high-risk TIAs, short-term dual antiplatelet therapy might be used, but long-term use is weighed against bleeding risk. Sedatives, antibiotics, and immunizations don’t reduce the risk of recurrent ischemia from a TIA. If a cardiac source of emboli is identified (like atrial fibrillation), anticoagulation may be considered, but for typical TIAs prevention centers on antiplatelet therapy.