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 or mini-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.
Prevention
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Take your medicines 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.
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Know your cholesterol level. Follow your doctor’s advice about how to keep cholesterol under control.
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If you are a smoker, you need to quit now. Enroll in a stop-smoking program to improve your chances of success. Ask your doctor about medicines or other methods to help you quit.
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Your healthcare provider will give you information on dietary changes that you may need to make, based on your situation. Your provider may recommend that you see a registered dietitian for help with diet changes. Changes may include:
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Reducing fat and cholesterol intake
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Reducing sodium (salt) intake, especially if you have high blood pressure
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Increasing your intake of fresh vegetables and fruits
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Eating lean proteins, such as fish, poultry, and legumes (beans and peas) and eating less red meat and processed meats
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Using low-fat dairy products
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Using vegetable and nut oils in limited amounts
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Limiting sweets and processed foods such as chips, cookies, and baked goods
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If you are overweight, your healthcare provider will work with you to lose weight and lower your body mass index (BMI) to a normal or near-normal level. Making diet changes and increasing physical activity can help.
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Begin an exercise program. Ask your doctor how to get started and how much activity you should try to get on a daily or weekly basis. You can benefit from simple activities such as walking or gardening.
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Learn stress-management techniques to help you deal with stress in your home and work life.
Follow-up care
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Some medicines require blood tests to check for progress or problems. Keep follow-up appointments for any blood tests ordered by your doctors.
Call 911
Call
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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 or seizures