TIAs are a medical emergency, and all patients should be hospitalized for urgent evaluation of their risk for stroke or myocardial infarction. After the diagnosis of TIA is made, different imaging techniques can easily identify underlying pathologic conditions and facilitate the evaluation of prognosis. Untreated TIAs carry a 5% yearly risk of stroke. Many strokes can be prevented if appropriate steps are taken in both primary and secondary care. This is a review article.