What is the approximate risk of stroke after a TIA within 90 days?

• A. 5-10%
• B. 1-2%
• C. 20-30%
• D. 15-20%

Answer: (A)

A TIA is a warning sign that the brain is at heightened risk for a full stroke in the near term. The approximate risk of having a stroke within 90 days after a TIA is about 5-10%. This risk is strongest early on—much of it occurs in the first couple of days—and, while it decreases over time, remains higher than baseline. That’s why rapid evaluation and initiation of preventive therapy are emphasized after a TIA. Figures like 1-2% are too low for this scenario, while 15-20% or 20-30% would overstate the typical 90-day risk for most patients, though individual risk can be higher with additional vascular disease or cardioembolic sources.