A systematic review of the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions following transient ischemic attack and stroke

Recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between perceived psychological stress and ischaemic stroke. A feature of stroke is recurrence; 30-40% within 5 years following first transient ischaemic attack/stroke. Equipping patients with skills and coping strategies to help reduce or manage perceived psychological stress, may represent an important secondary prevention intervention. Mindfulness-based Interventions are structured, group-based self-management programmes with potential to help people with long term conditions cope better with physical, psychological, or emotional distress. Review evidence suggests significant benefits of across a range of physical and mental health problems. However we could find no evidence synthesis relating specifically to the benefits of Mindfulness-Based Interventions following transient ischaemic attack/stroke.