Transient Ischemic Attack: Therapy

Notice:

  • Immediately call 911! (Call number 112)
  • Any transient ischemic attack (TIA) – even after rapid complete remission of symptoms – represents an emergency situation because it is associated with a high risk of recurrence (recurrence of the disease).
  • The risk of apoplexy (stroke risk) is quite relevant in the first days after a TIA with 3%; every third apoplexy announces itself beforehand by one or more TIAs.

General measures

  • Nicotine restriction (refraining from tobacco use).
  • Limited alcohol consumption (men: max. 25 g alcohol per day; women: max. 12 g alcohol per day).
  • Aim for normal weight!Determination of BMI (body mass index, body mass index) or body composition by means of electrical impedance analysis and, if necessary, participation in a medically supervised weight loss program.
  • Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease.
  • Avoidance of substance abuse:
  • Avoidance of psychosocial stress:
    • Chronic stress
    • Hostility

Notes on fitness to drive after a TIA

Group 1 Group 2
Low risk profile, cause treated Yes Yes
Grace period 1 month 3 months
High risk profile (ABCD2 > 6) Yes Yes
Grace period 3 months 6 months

Legend

  • Group 1: passenger cars, trucks up to 3.5 t, passenger cars plus trucks up to 3.5 t.
  • Group 2: buses, trucks > 3.5 t, buses + trucks > 3.5 t
  • ABCD2 score: scoring system that can be used to assess the risk of stroke after transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Vaccinations

The following vaccinations are advised:

  • Flu vaccination
  • Pneumococcal vaccination

Regular checkups

  • Regular medical checkups

Nutritional medicine

  • Nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis
  • Nutritional recommendations according to a mixed diet taking into account the disease at hand. This means, among other things:
    • A total of 5 servings of fresh vegetables and fruit daily (≥ 400 g; 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit).
    • Once or twice a week fresh sea fish, i.e. fatty marine fish (omega-3 fatty acids) such as salmon, herring, mackerel.
    • High-fiber diet (cereals and cereal products (oats and barley products), whole grains, legumes, pectin-rich fruits such as apples, pears and berries).
  • Observance of the following special dietary recommendations:
  • Selection of suitable food based on the nutritional analysis
  • See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
  • Detailed information on nutritional medicine you will receive from us.

Sports Medicine

  • Endurance training (cardio training).
  • After TIA or stenosis-related apoplexy (stroke), myocardial infarction (heart attack), apoplexy (stroke), or vascular-related death occur 5.4-fold more frequently in sluggish patients than in moderately physically active patients; in ischemic apoplexy, even 7-fold increased rate for recurrence of apoplexy in physically sluggish participants.
  • Preparation of a fitness or training plan with appropriate sports disciplines based on a medical check (health check or athlete check).
  • Detailed information on sports medicine you will receive from us.

Psychotherapy