Transient ischaemic attacks and mild strokes

A guide for patients and carers

How will lifestyle be affected?

Transient ischaemic attacks only last minutes or hours and do not in themselves lead to any disability. They will restrict your activities very little, although you may need to modify your lifestyle to reduce the risk of a stroke or heart attack in the future.

Driving
After a single TIA you should not drive for a month. If you have had more than one TIA you should not drive until at least three months after the last attack. If you hold an HGV or PSV licence you are unlikely to be able to keep this. People who have had more than one TIA or who hold an HGV or PSV licence should inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). This organisation is based in Swansea and their contact details can be found in the final section.

Sport and exercise
Generally you can do just about anything you are physically able to do after a TIA.

Flying
It is safe to fly after a TIA but if you are travelling abroad you will need to let the insurance company that is arranging your travel insurance know about any recent attacks.

Sexual intercourse
This is safe, although some men may have problems with maintaining an erection because of the drugs used to control blood pressure. However, there are many successful ways to overcome this problem.

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 future stroke.

Getting back to work
Usually you can get straight back to work unless a further TIA would be dangerous if it occurred at work. So if you drive for a living or work up high ladders you may not be able to work until you have been free of attacks for some months.

Exercise, work or sex will not cause a stroke, in fact keeping active will make a further stroke less likely.

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