Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED because you had a transient ischemic attack ("TIA"). This is when blood flow in the brain is blocked for a short time, causing temporary stroke-like symptoms.
TIAs happen when an artery in the brain gets clogged, or closes off, and then reopens on its own. This can happen if a blood clot forms and then moves away or dissolves.
A TIA causes the same symptoms as a stroke, like weakness or numbness in the limbs or face or trouble speaking or seeing. But the symptoms go away quickly. A TIA does not cause permanent brain damage like a stroke can.
The doctor thinks it is safe for you to recover at home. But since you had a TIA, you are now at a higher risk of having a stroke. This risk is highest for the next few days. It is very important to get medical help right away if you think you are having a stroke.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. You also got instructions for immediate follow-up care, including treatment to lower your risk of having a stroke and any further tests. It is very important to follow all the care instructions.
●Take all your medicines as instructed. The doctor might have given you medicines to lower your risk of having a stroke. It is very important you take them exactly as the doctor told you to.
●Follow the doctor's instructions about keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol, and high blood sugar under control, if necessary.
●Get regular exercise (if the doctor says it's safe) for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week. Even gentle exercise, like walking, is good for your health.
●Try to lose weight, if you have excess body weight. Your doctor or nurse can help you do this in a healthy way.
●Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products and low in meats, sweets, salt, and refined grains (such as white bread or white rice).
●Avoid or limit alcohol.
●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•You have any symptoms of a stroke or another TIA (the symptoms are the same). The symptoms usually start suddenly.
One way to help remember the symptoms is to think of the words "BE FAST." Each letter stands for 1 of the symptoms to watch for and what to do:
-Balance – Is the person having trouble standing or walking?
-Eyes – Is the person having trouble with their vision?
-Face – Does the person's face look uneven or droop on 1 side?
-Arm – Does the person have weakness or numbness in 1 or both arms? Does 1 arm drift down if they try to hold both arms out?
-Speech – Is the person having trouble speaking? Does their speech sound strange?
-Time – You need to act FAST. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of recovery.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●You have new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Transient ischemic attack (The Basics)
Patient education: Lowering the risk of having a stroke (The Basics)
Patient education: Stroke (The Basics)
Patient education: Transient ischemic attack (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Stroke symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)
