Transient ischemic attack, migraine aura, and partial seizure
| Transient ischemic attack | Migraine aura | Partial seizure | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demographics | Age > 55 Vascular risk factors Atrial fibrillation | Age 25–55 History of headache May occur de novo in the elderly | Any age History of trauma, central nervous system infection, or stroke |
| Onset and duration | Abrupt onset Resolves in < 10 minutes | Gradual, crescendo onset (5–10 minutes) Resolves within 60 minutes | Abrupt onset with resolution in minutes |
| Progression | No Maximum deficits at onset | Yes Multiple modalities (visual, somatosensory) | Variable |
| Symptoms | Localized by vascular territory Negative symptoms (numbness, weakness, vision loss) Rarely associated with loss of consciousness or confusion | Positive symptoms (flashing lights or paresthesias) Precedes headache | Stereotypical pattern (head-turning, posturing, lip-smacking) Loss of consciousness Incontinence Tongue biting Postictal confusion Persistent paralysis (Todd paralysis) |
| Prognosis | Nearly 20% risk of stroke within 90 days | Chronic recurring course | Chronic without progression |