Lesson of the month: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy masquerading as recurrent transient ischaemia attacks in an older adult

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a common cause of lobar cerebral haemorrhage in elderly populations, which can present as transient focal neurological episodes (TFNEs) or sometimes known as 'amyloid spells'. CAA-TFNE poses a common diagnostic challenge to physicians as it can be difficult to distinguish from transient ischaemic attacks or other transient neurologic syndromes. Prompt recognition of CAA is crucial as it heralds a high risk of intracerebral haemorrhage and to avoid unnecessary investigation with inappropriate long-term prevention treatment.