Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Discharge Information

What is transient ischemic attack (TIA)?

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief loss in brain function. It happens when the brain does not get enough blood because blood flow is blocked or decreased for a short time. The symptoms go away when the blood flow becomes normal again. TIA may be caused by anything that blocks blood flow to part of the brain for a short time. Blood flow is most often blocked or decreased by a blood clot. Blood clots can be caused by:

• Fatty deposits called plaque that build up in blood vessels and make them narrower. Pieces of plaque may break off from the wall of a blood vessel and form clots that can block blood flow to the brain, causing a TIA.
• Small blood clots moving to the brain from the heart. For example, people with an abnormal heart rhythm or a mechanical heart valve may form clots in the heart.
• A heart attack

You are more likely to have a TIA or stroke if you have a medical condition that puts a strain on your heart and blood vessels such as:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes or metabolic syndrome
• High cholesterol
• Blood vessel disease
• Heart rhythm or heart valve problems
• Sickle cell anemia
• Sleep apnea

Some unhealthy lifestyle habits can increase your risk for a TIA or stroke. You are more likely to have a stroke if you:

• Smoke
• Eat an unhealthy diet
• Are overweight
• Don't get enough exercise
• Use illegal drugs or too much alcohol

Your risk is also greater if you have had a TIA or stroke before. Do not ignore symptoms of a TIA or stroke. Get emergency medical care to help prevent a stroke.

How can I take care of myself when I go home?

How long it takes to get better depends on the cause of your TIA, your treatment, how well you recover, your overall health, and any complications you may have.

Management

• Your provider will give you a list of your medicines when you leave the hospital.
  • Know your medicines. Know what they look like, how much you should take each time, how often you should take them, and why you take each one.
  • Take your medicines exactly as your provider tells you to.
  • Carry a list of your medicines in your wallet or purse. Include any nonprescription medicines and supplements on the list.
  • Talk to your provider before you use any other medicines, including nonprescription medicines.
• Your provider may prescribe medicines to:
  • Prevent blood clots
  • Control cholesterol levels
  • Treat other conditions that may have been a risk factor for your TIA, such as high blood pressure or diabetes
• Your provider may recommend other types of therapy to help relieve pain, other symptoms, or side effects of treatment.
• Follow the treatment plan your healthcare provider prescribes.
• You will probably need to make changes in some of the foods you eat. Ask your provider about the benefits of talking to a dietician to learn what you need in a healthy diet.
• Ask your healthcare provider if there are any foods or medicines you should avoid.
• Drink enough fluids to keep your urine light yellow in color, unless you are told to limit fluids.
• Lose weight if you need to and keep a healthy weight.
• Exercise as your provider recommends.
• Don't smoke. Smoking can worsen poor blood circulation.
• If you have diabetes, check and control your blood sugar.
• Find ways to make your life less stressful.

Appointments

• Follow your provider's instructions for follow-up appointments.
• Keep appointments for any testing you may need.

Talk with your provider about any questions or concerns you have.

Call emergency medical services or 911:

The acronym FAST describes stroke symptoms and needed action. The symptoms come on FAST and may include:

• Face/Head:
  • Weakness, numbness, drooping, tingling of face (may just be on one side)
  • Trouble seeing (one or both eyes)
  • Severe headache
  • Trouble thinking
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Feeling dizzy along with one or more of the symptoms listed above
• Arm/Leg:
  • Weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arm, or leg (usually on just one side of your body)
  • Trouble walking, moving your arm or leg
• Speech: Trouble talking or understanding speech
• Time: Call 911 for emergency help right away if you have symptoms of a stroke.

You should also call emergency medical services or 911 if you have new or worsening:

• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Seizures or convulsions

If you have any of these symptoms, do not drive yourself.

Call your healthcare provider if you have new or worsening:

• Loss of balance or coordination
• Confusion
• Personality changes
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache that will not go away after treatment