Post-stroke or post-TIA care (transient ischemic attack)

During your post-stroke or post-TIA care appointment, your MinuteClinic provider will conduct a medical history and physical examination. Depending on your situation, the provider can then ensure that your risk factors for a stroke or TIA are controlled. They can then provide guidance on changes to your lifestyle to help prevent another stroke or TIA. Your provider may also refer you to a specialist as part of your post-stroke management care.

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and ZIP code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Strokes are usually caused by a blockage of blood flow or a bleed in the brain. Conditions that affect blood flow can cause a stroke. These conditions include:

• Atherosclerosis: This occurs when fatty material builds up in artery walls. This leads to a narrowing or blocking of the arteries.
• High blood pressure: When high blood pressure causes damage to small blood vessels over time, they can become weak and burst, leading to bleeding in your brain.

There are 2 main types of strokes, which are brought on by different factors. These include:

• Ischemic stroke: This is the most common stroke. A clot in the arteries supplying blood to the brain causes this type of stroke.
• Hemorrhagic stroke: A burst blood vessel in the brain or a ruptured aneurysm can cause this type of stroke.

Strokes can happen at any age, but the risk of a first stroke goes up as you get older. Other conditions and factors that increase your risk of a stroke include:

• Family history of heart disease or stroke
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Tobacco usage

How your stroke or TIA is treated is determined by your symptoms and may include emergency medical treatment like:

• Emergency medication: To dissolve blood clots.
• Emergency hospital procedures such as surgery, balloon angioplasty and stent placement: To remove the plaque blocking an artery or to open a narrowed artery.

Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need post-stroke home care or professional treatment.

Post-stroke care includes:

• Taking medications: To control conditions that put you at a higher risk for strokes.
• Making lifestyle changes: Such as eating a healthier diet, exercising regularly and managing stress levels.
• Going to rehabilitation therapy: This may include physical therapy to help with your mobility and range of motion, occupational therapy for everyday tasks and speech therapy to regain communication skills.

If you are experiencing stroke symptoms, seek emergency medical help immediately.

If you have had a stroke or TIA, consider scheduling an in-person visit at your local MinuteClinic for management of chronic conditions that can increase the risk of stroke or TIA, as well as guidance on medication and lifestyle changes.