TIA - no cause found, what now?

Manz
Manzon Saturday, March 25 2017
3 Comments

Hi 

 

I had a mini stroke 8 months ago. It lasted 10-15 mins and I lost use of my left side, I was unable to speak and felt an overwhelming sensation of terror. My neurologist ran ct of brain, bloods and a ultrasound of heart and found no cause. I also experience regular arythmias with fainting on a monthly basis, he thinks try are caused by stress as I suffer chronic 24/7 pelvic pain with monthly flares which land me in hospital for pain management and investigatjon. I have numerous chronic illnesses including nutcracker syndrome, a vascular compression disorder. 

 

What should I Do now? I started to experience severe depression with suicice ideation after the TIA and also have some left sided weakness. I have been told to take cartia for life but I feel like I need some help/support and don't know where to turn? Anyone else have a TIA at 40ish wih no cause found? Thanks;)

3 Responses

I Manz

 I also had a TIA (they think) or say I have had but can not find anything. I am now 69 so tad younger than you. Insert smiley face. Mine was in Dec 2016 and like you had all the tests but my doc looked at other causes via blood tests.

Found I was very low on B12 and salt so had intensive course of B12 over 3 weeks.

While my impact was not as bad as yours on the right side,I feel on some days things have improved since the B12 course.

What I still have coming and going is tingling in both hands, headaches, sore right eye and lack of energy. Other than this I have problems with back and spine but no where near as bad as your problems.

No sure if any of this is any help but feel your frustation and feeling of being helpless. Answers would be nice but its like a piece of string no one knows how long it is.

Hang in there things are changing all the time. Like I told my kids I had won the Lotto and flush if they wanted a loan. That is along as the loan was less than $22.

Cheers Jim

Hi Manz,

Sorry to hear about your mini stroke and the challenges you've had since. It must be frustrating not having answers. It may not help but up to a third of all strokes are found to have no known cause, most of these are in younger people.

Generally with TIA there are no lasting impairments, the signs resolve within 24 hours. Did you have a small stroke, rather than a TIA? Your MRI or CT scan result should help to clarify this. Is it worth returning to your neurologist or getting a review by a cardiologist if you're having ongoing arrhythmia?

Have you been seeking any emotional or psychological support for your depression, suicidal ideation and stress? Dealing with the emotional impact of stroke and TIA isn't easy. We are here to help or you can also contact Lifeline 24 hours, 7 days a week on 131 114.

You might find this podcast helpful on dealing with the fear of having another stroke/TIA.
https://enableme.org.au/Community/Podcasts/Fear-of-second-stroke

Please don't hesitate to call us on StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 for additional support, advice and information. 

Best wishes,

Simone (Occupational therapist for StrokeLine)

Hi Manz

Well after 6 months and an MRI they have decided I did have a stroke. Since I have a few side effects I was lucky, this time. However it aint going to stop me doing what I want. Spent a month camping with daughter and husband a two fantastic grand daughters. Covered about 10000km with lots of camp fires and laughs.

Other problems, not related to stroke have slowed me down so last time I will be camping.

 

Hope you are doing well and coping. Life is worth living despite the all the problems. Like me you will find things in your life that make you smile. These can be a strong hold fast when things get you/us down.

I find the love I have for my family and theirs in return drives me to be me regardless.

Like me live on the edge of tomorrow.

Yesyerday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and todays a gift.

Laugh with me at life

All the best

Jim

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