Stroke & TIA

Mild Stroke & Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Have you been searching for a health professional who understands the symptoms and outcomes related to TIA or a mild stroke?
Are you unsure how much exercise is safe after TIA or a mild stroke, and what exercises you could be doing to improve or manage your symptoms?
Are you wondering what you can do to minimise your risk of TIA or a mild stroke in the future?

What is Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?

If you have experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mild stroke, it’s helpful to understand how it might affect you.

It is crucial to recognise that even though initial symptoms may resolve relatively quickly after a TIA, they are warning signs that should not be ignored. A TIA is often considered a ‘mini-stroke’ and can be a precursor to a more severe stroke.

After the event, you may experience temporary or longer lasting symptoms which can be quite distressing and disrupt your daily life.

Common Symptoms

Following a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mild stroke, individuals may experience a range of symptoms that can vary in severity. These symptoms can be similar to those experienced after a more severe stroke but are typically temporary. Common symptoms following a TIA or mild stroke may include:

Sudden weakness or numbness, often on one side of the body, in the face, arm, or leg
Difficulty speaking, such as slurred speech or trouble finding the right words (aphasia)
Temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes
Blurred or double vision
Trouble with coordination and balance
Dizziness or vertigo
Sudden and severe headache
Memory problems or confusion
Fatigue and reduced stamina
Emotional changes, including mood swings or feelings of anxiety
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Nausea and vomiting

How can we Help?

After you have had a TIA or mild stroke, working with a health professional who has advanced training in the assessment and management of neurological conditions is really important.

It is recommended that you talk with a physiotherapist a week or two after your discharge from hospital. Your Active Rehab physiotherapist will listen to how you are progressing, answer any questions you may have, provide reassurance where needed, and assess and advise on the need for any further medical follow-up.

Many people take advantage of the warning that a TIA or mild stroke offers, and look to address any lifestyle factors that might have contributed to the episode. At Active, our physiotherapists are specifically trained in managing neurological conditions such as TIA and stroke and will be able to support you to make the necessary adjustments to your lifestyle; in particular, designing, and supporting you to engage in, a safe and effective exercise program.

What Should I Expect From my Appointment?

Detailed Interview: This helps your physiotherapist to fully understand your initial and current symptoms, medical history and your specific goals.
Physical Assessment: We undertake a thorough assessment of your body, and movement patterns including your functional abilities.
Targeted Treatments: This includes addressing the specific problems associated with TIA such as muscle control, balance difficulties, dizziness and fatigue.
Progressive Exercise Program: Safe, graded exercise specifically designed to address your particular needs, whether for specific movement problems, or simply to improve your general fitness, health and well-being as a way to self-manage your condition.
Communication and Collaboration: With your Neurologist, General Practitioner and the broader health team to keep them informed of your progress and to support your care.