TOE procedure

Hi - I had a TOE about three weeks after the strokes, both ischemic and hemorrhagic. They said the heart can throw clots and wanted the rule out that happening. You get a type of sedative to relax you and a mouth thing to keep your mouth open. I don't know if I nodded off, because it seemed over quickly.

Good luck.

Ps: because they didn't know what caused my strokes, I was 49. I also had a lumbar puncture, a cerebral angiogram, an ultrasound on my kidneys, three MRIs that I can remember, and approx 836 blood tests.

Hi Cazzab,

Sorry to hear you need more investigations after your stroke. Having a TOE is a relatively common heart test after stroke when there is a need to get a clearer/better view of the heart. It will give the medical team more information about the cause of your stroke to ensure you are receiving the best treatment to reduce the chance of another stroke occurring in future.

It is listed as one of the potential tests in our stroke recovery booklet My Stroke Journey on page 8 if you'd like to read more. This brochure from Monash Hospital in Melbourne is also helpful.

If you'd like more information, advice or support you can call StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) to speak to one of our health professionals. 

Best wishes with the procedure,

Simone, StrokeLine

Hi Carrin
I had a TOE following my stroke in 2013, when I was 46. It was only meant to be a day procedure but I had a bit of an issue with my throat muscles which made it a bit harder for them to get the tube down my throat. I ended up having to stay in overnight  as I got a minute amount of fluid into my lungs. Despite taht happening I'm glad I had the procedure as the cardiologist discovered I had a PFO. I don;t remember anything of the actual TOE so the sedation worked a treat.
Best wishes 
Toni

I had a TOE after an Ischaemic Stroke with two clots. Pretty straightforward, don’t remember anything about it after the medication. The Doctors are able to get a really good view of the heart, all of the vessels and any abnormalities. Well worth while test.

I have had a couple of TOES before the first one I was very anxious about the whole thing but I don’t remember a thing with the sedation. When I looked at the report I was actually only in there for 10 minutes. You’ll be f

Hi carrin

I too like the rest have a had a TOE after I had a TIA I was petrified of having the procedure done, but was worried about nothing, I was awake the whole time as I don’t think sedative worked I even shocked the doctor when he said to the other doctor “ I can’t see anything wrong” I then put my thumb up to him with a happiness in my face I could get with something down my throat, he then looked shocked and said “ she just put her thumb up”. After procedure I was wheeled back into ward and nurse said “ I have never seen some one so alert after that” I said “ so I can go home now then” she looked shocked as well but was released within the hour. I was shaking before I had it done but wouldn’t be frightened of having it done again especially when people have told me I should of been a little sedated. Hope yours goes well or by now as only just seen message you might of had it done.

all the best Beth