Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke is not a rare complication, particularly in aged patients after surgery and anesthesia. If it is not properly managed, unmendable injury may inevitably occur. Patients who experience postoperative TIA or stroke usually have underlying diseases without resolution or good control. We bring forward here for discussion a fatality due to unappropriately managed TIA, which occurred in a 72-year-old male, within 24 hours after surgery. Besides making accurate diagnosis, selection of drugs for pain relief and appropriate overall management are key points of discussion.