National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) DOT Practice Exam

What does the presence of sciatica indicate when assessing TIA history?

1. It's a common symptom of TIA.

2. It’s usually not associated with TIAs.

3. It indicates a more severe medical condition.

4. It necessitates further evaluation.

The correct answer is: It’s usually not associated with TIAs.

The correct answer is that sciatica is usually not associated with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Sciatica refers to pain that originates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back down to each leg. It typically occurs due to issues such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other musculoskeletal problems rather than neurological events like TIAs. TIAs are brief episodes of neurological dysfunction caused by temporary disruptions in blood flow to the brain. Common symptoms include sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking, which are not related to sciatica. Recognizing this distinction is crucial in the assessment of a patient’s history and symptoms. If sciatica is present, it suggests that the issues may stem from a different source than those related to TIAs, which helps narrow down the differential diagnosis and guides further clinical evaluation.