Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

[simple1]

In the past six months I have experienced the subject topic twice. I am due to attend hospital in the next few weeks for further assessment for diagnosis and treatment. Has anyone else suffered the same, commonly called a mini stroke, if so what was the path taken to address the matter.

[scubascuba3]

how severe were your symptoms?

[simple1]

1 hour ago, scubascuba3 said:

how severe were your symptoms?

 

Double vision, flushed, light headed. 

[Sheryl]

Management of TIAs is to address the underlying cause(s) and reduce risk factors.

 

- an anticlotting medication will be given, most commonly low dose aspirin but sometimes other drugs. With the aspirin, a PPi (such as omeprazole) is sometimes given to reduce gastric irritation and./or an enteric coated form may be given.

 

- if your lipids (LDL cholesterol, triglycerides) are at all elevated, medication to lower them will be given (or if you are already on them, dose may be adjusted) and lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) may be advised.

 

- if you have hypertension ,medication will l be given (or dose adjusted) for that.

 

- if you smoke, this is a major risk factor and it is essential you stop.

 

The following tests should be done and depending on results other treatments may be indicated:

 

Carotid ultrasound (doppler) OR CT/CTA or MRI/MRA of the brain - to check for possible narrowing of, or plaques in, carotid and  cerebral arteries.

 

-echocardiogram (sometimes TIAs result from blood clots formed due to a heart valve problem or irregular heartbeat).

 

See these sources for more information:

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/transient-ischemic-attack/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355684

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transient-ischaemic-attack-tia/treatment/

 

 

 

[ChrisKC]

A TIA or "mini stroke" is potentially a sign of a possible more serious stroke to come and should be treated as such by the patient.

 

I had what I thought was a TIA about 14 years ago. The symptoms were that I was unable to remember something I was writing only a few minutes before and I couldn't operate the TV remote control - no other symptoms. These matters lasted only for a few minutes.

 

I went to my local Doctor and the first thing he did was feel my carotid artery - he told me there was a problem (confirming a TIA) and suggested I went for tests at the hospital. This I did and had an brain scan and the result showed that 1% of my brain was affected but the neural networks had already by-passed the damaged area, taking me back to normal.

 

Measurements were taken of my cholesterol, blood sugar and LDL levels. No hypertension in my case and no other underlying predisposing factors.

 

My cholesterol and blood sugars and LDL were too high and this was deemed to be the problem

 

I kept the measurement from that time and took action that amounted to:

 

No more added sugar, no alcohol for nearly two months and had new measurements taken that are shown in the attached excel spreadsheet I created and sent to everyone I knew at the time to prove that dramatic action had dramatic results quite quickly and without any further medical intervention or medication.

 

The attachment is a photo of the spreadsheet as the original file will not upload here. Send me a PM if you would like the "template" and I will send to you if you believe it could be useful.

 

All my comments above relate to me as an individual - you should consult your clinicians for advice for your personal situation.

 

[scubascuba3]

3 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Management of TIAs is to address the underlying cause(s) and reduce risk factors.

 

- an anticlotting medication will be given, most commonly low dose aspirin but sometimes other drugs. With the aspirin, a PPi (such as omeprazole) is sometimes given to reduce gastric irritation and./or an enteric coated form may be given.

 

- if your lipids (LDL cholesterol, triglycerides) are at all elevated, medication to lower them will be given (or if you are already on them, dose may be adjusted) and lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) may be advised.

 

- if you have hypertension ,medication will l be given (or dose adjusted) for that.

 

- if you smoke, this is a major risk factor and it is essential you stop.

 

The following tests should be done and depending on results other treatments may be indicated:

 

Carotid ultrasound (doppler) OR CT/CTA or MRI/MRA of the brain - to check for possible narrowing of, or plaques in, carotid and  cerebral arteries.

 

-echocardiogram (sometimes TIAs result from blood clots formed due to a heart valve problem or irregular heartbeat).

 

See these sources for more information:

 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/transient-ischemic-attack/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355684

 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transient-ischaemic-attack-tia/treatment/

 

 

 

That NHS link says you probably will be given aspirin straight after a suspected TIA, what dose would that be?

[Sheryl]

11 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

That NHS link says you probably will be given aspirin straight after a suspected TIA, what dose would that be?

300 mg and this refers to patients ((1) seen immediately after the event and (2) meeting criteria for a TIA (note that about half of people suspected of having had a TIA turn out not to but rather to have a different problem).

 

 

[simple1]

2 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

300 mg and this refers to patients ((1) seen immediately after the event and (2) meeting criteria for a TIA (note that about half of people suspected of having had a TIA turn out not to but rather to have a different problem).

 

 

In the ambulance on the way to A&E I was given 300mg of aspirin. I had a previous episode and GP had requested I call emergency if I had another occurrance. At A&E I had a CT scan of carotid artery which located a narowing of approx 50%. Doctor advised no surgical intervention - due to risk - unless blockage exceeds 75%. My blood pressure, Diabetes type 11 and lipids good and magaged by medication. A&E have referred me to a specialist TIA unit which I expect to attend in 2/3 weeks.

 

I was intererested to see if anyone had also experienced TIA and the treatment they received to resolve their issues.

 

Thanks for everyones input...