Activity and participation after transient ischemic attack: a scoping review

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is traditionally regarded as a condition with full recovery. However, emerging evidence suggests that some individuals experience residual symptoms, limiting their activity and participation in everyday life. The objective was to systematically map and synthesize existing evidence on activity limitations and participation restrictions following TIA. A scoping review was conducted following the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and further outlined by Levac et al. A comprehensive search was conducted across four electronic databases. Additional gray literature and references were screened. Studies reporting TIA-specific findings related to activity or participation were included. Data were charted and synthesized descriptively and thematically. Sixteen studies published between 1997 and 2026 were included, comprising quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. Evidence indicated that some patients experience activity limitations and participation restrictions from months to several years after TIA. While most individuals remained independent in self-care activities, challenges were frequently reported in productive activities and leisure activities. Considerable heterogeneity in outcomes and assessment approaches was observed, with wide variation in measurement instruments and follow-up periods. Despite its transient definition, TIA may be associated with lasting limitations in activity and participation for some individuals. The findings suggest that the impact of TIA is insufficiently captured in current research and highlight the need for further research.