Patients with stroke or transient ischemic attach should receive advise on smoking cessation. It is however unknown if an intensive smoking cessation program is better than ordinary advise on smoking cessation during hospitalisation for stroke or transient ischemic attack.

The aim of the study was to assess if an intensive smoking cessation program made more patients stop smoking after stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Patients with stroke or transient ischemic attach should receive advise on smoking cessation. It is however unknown if an intensive smoking cessation program is better than ordinary advise on smoking cessation during hospitalisation for stroke or transient ischemic attack.

The aim of the study was to assess if an intensive smoking cessation program made more patients stop smoking after stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack are admitted to the department of neurology at Odense University hospital. Patient who are smokers on admission and age < 76 years, inhabitants in Funen County and with symptoms developed before admission will be offered participation in the study unless they have severe stroke, stroke more than 3 weeks before admission, other severe disease or unable to participate.

Study participants will be randomised to either usual short advise on smoking cessation or an intensive smoking cessation program. All participants will be followed-up for 6 months with regard to smoking habits.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age < 76 years
• Inhabitant in Funen County
• Acute stroke or transient ischemic attack
• Symptoms with onset before admission
• Current smoker on admission

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe stroke
• Current stroke onset more than 3 weeks before admission
• Other severe disease
• Unable to participate