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Driving
After a single TIA or stroke you should not drive for a month. If you have had more than one stroke or TIA you should not drive until at least three months after the last attack.

If the stroke has left you with any difficulties you should see your doctor to see if you are fit to drive. Severe paralysis, loss of awareness and visual problems cause the greatest problems with driving. If there is any doubt about your fitness to drive your doctor can refer you to a special centre to assess your driving ability.

You are legally obliged to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) that you have had a stroke. This organisation is based in Swansea and the address can be found at the end of this booklet. If you do not inform the DVLA and continue to drive, your insurance company is not obliged to cover any costs if you have an accident. You may be liable for any damage you cause to others. If you hold a HGV or PSV licence you are unlikely to be able to keep this.

Sport and exercise
Generally you can do just about anything you are physically able to do after a stroke. However, persisting problems with muscle weakness, balance, speech or vision may restrict your activities.

Flying
It is safe to fly after a stroke but if you are travelling abroad you will need to let the insurance company that is arranging your travel insurance know that you have had a stroke.

Sexual intercourse
This is safe, although some men may have problems with maintaining an erection because of the stroke itself or the drugs used to control blood pressure. However, there are many successful ways to overcome this problem. Often, people take some time to regain their sex drive after a stroke.

Drinking
There is no reason why you should not drink alcohol in moderation, but regular, excessive alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of a further stroke.

Getting back to work
This will obviously depend on whether the stroke has left you with any problems and what sort of work you do. Many people feel tired at first and have problems with concentration. It may be better to return part-time to start with. You are probably the best judge of what you should be doing - it really depends on how you feel.

Exercise, work or sex will not cause another stroke, in fact keeping active will improve your recovery and make a further stroke less likely.