Discharge Instructions for Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
You have been diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack (TIA). You can think of a TIA as a temporary stroke; blood temporarily could not reach part of your brain. Unlike a stroke, TIAs usually cause no lasting damage. If you think you are having symptoms of a TIA or stroke, get medical help right away—even if the symptoms go away.
When to Seek Medical Care
Call 911 right away if you have any of the following:
Weakness, tingling, or loss of feeling on one side of your face or body
Sudden double vision, or trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble talking, or slurring your speech
Trouble understanding others
Sudden, severe headache
Dizziness, loss of balance, or a spinning feeling, a sense of falling
Blackouts
Prevention
Take your medications exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses.
Learn to take your blood pressure. Keep a log for your doctor.
Change your diet if your doctor tells you to. Your doctor may suggest that you cut back on salt. If so, here are some tips:
Limit canned, dried, packaged, and fast foods.
Don’t add salt to your food at the table.
Season foods with herbs instead of salt when you cook.
Maintain a healthy weight. Get help to lose any extra pounds.
Begin an exercise program. Ask your doctor how to get started. You can benefit from simple activities such as walking or gardening.
Limit your alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks a day.
Know your cholesterol level. Follow your doctor’s recommendations about how to keep cholesterol under control.
If you are a smoker, break the smoking habit. Enroll in a stop-smoking program to improve your chances of success. Ask your doctor about medications or other methods to help you quit.
Follow-Up