Mini strokes-TIAs

by DJK 16 Replies latest watchtower medical

• 

  Sunspot

  If symptoms of a stroke (loss of vision, weakness in one arm and/or leg, speech problems, inability to communicate, etc) occur, go immediately to an emergency department. If diagnosed early, 'clot buster' medication may be used to restore blood supply to the brain before permanent damage occurs.

  In August of 2003, I woke up during the night to visit the little girls room, and noticed I was almost lurching like I was drunk. It had been hot and humid and I had fallen asleep on the couch and just thought I had been "sleeping funny" on the wooden arm. When I woke up at 7:00 AM, I could not move my arm and thought IT was "asleep". I went to get my grandson up to get ready for a camping trip he was going on with friends.

  I went to get hubby up and I couldn't TALK! Grandson was hollering goodbye and I made a noise to let him know I had heard him....and they left. Hubby was up by then and I kept trying to talk to him but only garbled squawks came out. I still didn't realize what was happening to me!

  I was really scared and hubby called an ambulance. They raced to the local hospital---my BP had literally gone off the charts---all I remember was the number 264 and the guy kept telling me to hang in there...I ended up having a major stroke, a heart attack and another stroke. I wasn't expected to live the way things were going. I was in the ICU for days and then to rehab to learn how to walk, talk, dress and feed myself again.

  I do have residual paralysis but went from not being able to stand----to walking with a cane. I have quite a bit of slurred speech---but is far better than the grunts and moans of the first few weeks. I am able to carry on a conversation with those who are patient with me.

  So if you DO end up with more serious stroke complications....life does go on. It isn't a death sentence. I am here to show THAT! Don't GET discouraged or BE discouraged and take one day at a time to do whatever you can...FOR that day!

  I have had some of the most wonderful experiences of my LIFE since then, including an idyllic trip to a (Christian) mountain Retreat and learning a whole new path that applies to ME! THAT is pretty exciting for an old geezer that thought "things" were over!

  I can't climb Everest or can't be a contestant on Dancing With The Stars....but I CAN pound the daylights out of this computer and keep in touch with some pretty great people all over the world!

  hugs,

  Annie
• 

  free2think

  DJK, I'm so sorry to hear about your health problems. I know how scary the uncertainty of illness can be. I had a mini stroke when I was younger, but I was asleep when it happened. Without going into too much detail I only found out it had happened as it left me with some permanent effects. I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and your family.
• 

  DJK

  Thank you everyone. I went to emergency and spent five hours there. Bloodwork and a CT scan everything is normal, again. I am back on 325mg aspirin. If they happen again I have to go immediately to emergency, it might also be dehydration and they can pinpoint that at the time. Thanks again.
• 

  Sunspot

  DJK, From all that I have been told....PREVENTION is the key here....they kept asking and asking me at the ER exactly WHEN I began to notice the symptoms....and I had no clue what time it was when I had woken up to use the restroom.

  It was crucial because what they were prepared to give me....could only be administered between hour one and hour two. I didn't KNOW when it had occurred so they couldn't give me that medicine for fear that worse things would happen. We just had to go with what I knew, and that wasn't much!

  YOU though...have the advantage of having a heads up on this....which IS the better place to be! Keep an eye on what they tell you to and I wish you the very best!

  hugs,

  Annie
• 

  crazyblondeb

  TIA's are usually a sign something could be coming, like a major stroke. Please, GET MEDICAL ATTENTION NOW. When I was nursing, I've heard alot of patients tell their doctors about these, after suffering a major stroke. There are things that can be done to prevent a stroke, or even further complications.

  Synonym(s): Mini-Strokes

  Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
  What is Transient Ischemic Attack?
  Is there any treatment?
  What is the prognosis?
  What research is being done?
  
  Organizations
  Related NINDS Publications and Information
  Publicaciones en Español
  Additional resources from MEDLINEplus

  What is Transient Ischemic Attack?
  A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a transient stroke that lasts only a few minutes. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is briefly interrupted. TIA symptoms, which usually occur suddenly, are similar to those of stroke but do not last as long. Most symptoms of a TIA disappear within an hour, although they may persist for up to 24 hours. Symptoms can include: numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion or difficulty in talking or understanding speech; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; and difficulty with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.

  Is there any treatment?
  Because there is no way to tell whether symptoms are from a TIA or an acute stroke, patients should assume that all stroke-like symptoms signal an emergency and should not wait to see if they go away. A prompt evaluation (within 60 minutes) is necessary to identify the cause of the TIA and determine appropriate therapy. Depending on a patient's medical history and the results of a medical examination, the doctor may recommend drug therapy or surgery to reduce the risk of stroke in people who have had a TIA. The use of antiplatelet agents, particularly aspirin, is a standard treatment for patients at risk for stroke. People with atrial fibrillation (irregular beating of the heart) may be prescribed anticoagulants.

  What is the prognosis?
  TIAs are often warning signs that a person is at risk for a more serious and debilitating stroke. About one-third of those who have a TIA will have an acute stroke some time in the future. Many strokes can be prevented by heeding the warning signs of TIAs and treating underlying risk factors. The most important treatable factors linked to TIAs and stroke are high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, heart disease, carotid artery disease, diabetes, and heavy use of alcohol. Medical help is available to reduce and eliminate these factors. Lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, maintaining healthy weight, exercising, and enrolling in smoking and alcohol cessation programs can also reduce these factors.

  What research is being done?
  NINDS is the leading supporter of research on stroke and TIA in the U.S. and sponsors studies ranging from clinical trials to investigations of basic biological mechanisms as well as studies with animals.

  Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

  Organizations

  American Heart Association 7272 Greenville Avenue Dallas, TX 75231-4596 [email protected] http://www.americanheart.org Tel: 800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) 214-373-6300	National Stroke Association 9707 East Easter Lane Englewood, CO 80112-3747 [email protected] http://www.stroke.org Tel: 303-649-9299 800-STROKES (787-6537) Fax: 303-649-1328
  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHBLI) National Institutes of Health, DHHS 31 Center Drive, Rm. 4A21 MSC 2480 Bethesda, MD 20892-2480 http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov Tel: 301-592-8573/240-629-3255 (TTY) Recorded Info: 800-575-WELL (-9355)

  Related NINDS Publications and Information
  

  • NINDS Stroke Information Page
    Stroke information sheet compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
  • Stroke: Hope Through Research
    An informational booklet about stroke compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
  • Brain Basics: Preventing Stroke
    Information on preventing stroke, including stroke risk factors and warning signs, compiled by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS
• 

  DJK

  Since last November, I have eliminated five of six risk factors. The last one is smoking and I am working on it. Thanks again.
• 

  crazyblondeb

  That's good that you are paying attention to your risk factors. And, I know how hard it is to stop smoking!!

  But, there are also factors that you have no control over. That's why it's so important to see a doctor.

  shell