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:
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Weakness, tingling, or loss of feeling on one side of your face or body
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Sudden double vision, or trouble seeing in one or both eyes
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Sudden trouble talking, or slurring your speech
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Trouble understanding others
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Sudden, severe headache
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Dizziness, loss of balance, or a spinning feeling, a sense of falling
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Blackouts
Prevention
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Take your medications exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses.
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Learn to take your blood pressure. Keep a log for your doctor.
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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:
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Limit canned, dried, packaged, and fast foods.
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Don’t add salt to your food at the table.
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Season foods with herbs instead of salt when you cook.
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Maintain a healthy weight. Get help to lose any extra pounds.
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Begin an exercise program. Ask your doctor how to get started. You can benefit from simple activities such as walking or gardening.
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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.
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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
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Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
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Some medications require blood tests to check for progress or problems. Keep follow-up appointments for any blood tests ordered by your doctors.
