TIA’s start suddenly without warning.

• Weakness or numbness to one side of the body

• Facial droop

• Problems with speech

• Loss of vision

• Problems with balance and co-ordination.

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
• Problems which cause blood clots such as an irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation)
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Excess alcohol
• Obesity

These are risk factors for TIA because they either cause damage to the walls of the blood vessels or cause blood clots to form.

Stop smoking:

• Smoking can increase your risk of having a stroke or TIA as some of the inhaled chemicals enter your bloodstream and can damage the lining of your blood vessels. This can cause them to become narrow and become ‘furred up’.
• Smoking also increases the stickiness of your blood making blood clots more likely to form.
• Carbon monoxide and nicotine enter your blood when smoking - carbon monoxide reduces the levels of oxygen in your blood. Nicotine can make your heart beat faster and cause your blood pressure to rise.

Reduce High Blood Pressure:

• High blood pressure can cause damage to the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow. This makes them more likely to become damaged and small blood vessels are more likely to block.
• If your GP has prescribed blood pressure tablets it is important to keep taking them.
• You can help lower your blood pressure by taking regular exercise, eat less than 6g (1level teaspoon) of salt per day, reduce stress and relax.

Reduce Cholesterol:

• Cholesterol is needed in the body, it is made in the liver but can also be found in some foods.
• High cholesterol is a risk factor for TIA because excess cholesterol is stored in the walls of the blood vessels making them uneven. This can cause the blood vessels to become narrowed reducing blood flow.
• Some of this build up can break off and travel to the brain blocking a blood vessel.
• Statins can help reduce cholesterol levels and smooth the lining of blood vessels.
• Drinking grapefruit juice while taking statins can increase their effect so should be avoided.
• Eating less red meat and dairy products can help reduce cholesterol levels. Unsaturated fats are healthier than saturated fats.

Diabetes: Is a condition where there is too much glucose in your blood - if not well controlled this can damage the blood vessels and cause them to ‘fur’ up. Your GP can help with diabetes control.

Stress: Stress does not directly cause a TIA or stroke but it can increase the risk of having a TIA or stroke.

Alcohol: Drinking above the recommended level of alcohol (14 units a week) can increase the risk of a TIA or stroke.

Weight: Being overweight is associated with high blood pressure and diabetes. Regular gentle exercise can help with weight loss and help to reduce blood pressure.

Diet and Exercise: It is recommended to eat five portions of fresh fruit or vegetables daily and maintain a healthy overall diet. Regular exercise helps to reduce your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. It is recommended to do at least 150mins of physical activity a week which can include walking, running, cycling, and swimming.

You can return to your normal activities as soon as you feel well enough but you might feel tired following your TIA.

Driving: The DVLA state that you must not drive for 1 month from the date of your TIA. If you have had multiple TIA’s, hold a passenger carrying license (e.g. Taxi driver) or a HGV license there are additional restrictions - your doctor or specialist nurse will advise you.

Flying: There are no absolute rules but it is probably best not to fly for the first six weeks (12 weeks if long haul flight). You must inform your travel insurance. Some companies may not insure you if you have outstanding investigations relating to your recent TIA diagnosis. When flying it is advisable to avoid alcohol and caffeine, keep hydrated and walk around the plane every hour.

Sexual concerns: Some people worry that sex will cause an increase in blood pressure and cause another TIA. If you can comfortably climb a flight of stairs your blood pressure will not be affected by having sex. If you develop further symptoms you must seek urgent medical advice.

You will receive a clinic appointment in approximately two months.

If you or your family have any concerns about aspects of TIA the following organizations can provide further advice and support:

Stroke Association
www.stroke.org.uk
Helpline: 0303 303 3100

Different Strokes
www.differentstrokes.co.uk

NHS
www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke

Patient
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/browse/stroke-and-tia-2059

DVLA
www.DVLA.gov.uk

Medication information
www.medicines.org

World Health Organization
www.who.int/news-room/factsheets/detail/physical-activity
(Physical Activity Recommendations)

Emergency Department Bradford Royal Infirmary: 01274 272747