A doctor (who didn't want to take me on) told me today that a TIA is the same as a stroke, and that if I thought I'd been having TIAs, which I do, they would have shown up on MRI scan a week later. True or false, it's not what other doctors have told me??

Hi Saphara

Thanks for reaching out to us. It’s not good to hear that you have had COVID and the episodes which are likely TIA. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is not the same as a stroke. A TIA happens when the blood supply to your brain is blocked temporarily. The signs are the same as for a stroke, but they disappear within a short time.

Often, they are only present for a few minutes.

A stroke will show up on MRI whereas a TIA won’t show up on an MRI. There are cases when a stroke doesn’t show up on CT scan (and is presumed to be a TIA), but then does show up on MRI to confirm that someone has had a stroke.  Perhaps they were trying to describe this situation?

You can find out more about TIAs here.

Was your doctor a GP? I would suggest seeing a neurologist for further support if you haven’t already. Here is a little more on getting good health care which may help.

Please feel free to discuss this further with us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 (Mon- Fri 9am to 5pm AEDST)

Warm regards,

Kath (StrokeLine)