Excessive hypertension increases hemorrhagic transformation risk after reperfusion therapies
Antiplatelet and anticoagulant rationale
Antiplatelets reduce early recurrence in non cardioembolic stroke
Anticoagulation reduces recurrence in atrial fibrillation related stroke
Patient Discharge Instructions
copy discharge instructions
Stroke and TIA discharge packet
Diagnosis summary
Ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack explanation in plain language
Major risk factors identified
Medications
Antiplatelet schedule and duration
Statin schedule
Anticoagulant schedule if prescribed
Blood pressure and diabetes medication plan
Activity and safety
No driving until cleared by clinician per local rules
Swallow safety and diet recommendations if applicable
Fall prevention strategies
Follow up
Stroke clinic appointment date and contact
Family doctor follow up within 1 week
Cardiac monitoring plan if arranged
Return to ED immediately for red flags
New or worsening weakness numbness or speech difficulty
New facial droop
New severe headache
New confusion or fainting
New vision loss or double vision
Chest pain or shortness of breath
Any major bleeding on antithrombotics
References
Clinical guidelines and landmark evidence
Source set used for this checklist
AHA ASA guideline for early management of acute ischemic stroke 2019 update
Canadian Stroke Best Practices acute ischemic stroke treatment recommendations
Tenecteplase evidence summaries
European Stroke Organisation expedited recommendation on tenecteplase 0.25 mg per kg for eligible acute ischemic stroke
Randomized trials comparing tenecteplase and alteplase in bridging thrombectomy pathways
Thrombectomy late window trials
DAWN trial imaging selected thrombectomy up to 24 hours
DEFUSE 3 trial imaging selected thrombectomy up to 16 hours
Dual antiplatelet trials in minor stroke and TIA
CHANCE trial
POINT trial
Stroke unit and supportive care evidence
Stroke unit care improves mortality and functional outcomes compared with general ward care
Intermittent pneumatic compression reduces DVT in immobile stroke patients
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.