Hi there,
Thanks for your question. Here at Strokeline, we do often get asked about the benefits of closing a PFO to reduce the risk of having a second stroke.
In terms of a PFO closure, this varies according to each individual case and other factors such as age and general health. For peace of mind, stroke survivors will often decide to go ahead with closure. Decisions are made based on patient preference and individual risk. We’ve certainly had calls to StrokeLine where the stroke survivor has been offered closure by one or more specialists, yet had opinions by other specialists who have advised against closure. It is definitely a case by case situation. It is always best to discuss the option with your Specialist or GP.
Since the National Stroke Guidelines were published in 2017, there have been some great studies published which do suggest a benefit to having a PFO closure combined with antiplatelet therapy in reducing the risk of a second stroke. Minimally invasive closure of PFO may be appropriate for selected patients with no other cause for stroke. The procedure is readily available in Australia using the devices that have been proven effective in clinical trials.
As we can only make general recommendations, I would suggest having a look at this forum post regarding PFO closure – which may be able to provide you with some questions you can ask your GP/specialist during your next appointment. Please see these forum posts which discuss PFO closure and feel free to engage in the conversation: https://enableme.org.au/Community/Forums/View-topic?id=63e7e2ce-a464-4ac0-887c-ce9a28b15ada and https://enableme.org.au/Community/Forums/View-topic?id=da2b9918-de4b-476d-b4cc-d586aed9dc0b
In regards to your question about blood clots, aspirin is a type of anti-platelet medication. Aspirin may prevent blood clots in your legs from recurring but if you have developed clots in your legs, it would be best to discuss this with your local doctor.
I hope you find this information helpful and wish you all the best in your recovery journey.
If you would like to give us a call on Strokeline, there are a number of research articles that we could discuss with you – 1800 787 653.
Best wishes,
Maddy and Kerrie
Hi, I realise some time has gone by since this post.
I had a stroke in Aug 2022. After visiting the TIA clinic the next day, I was told that a previous blemish in my MRI was also a stroke. I has seen a nuerologist about some symptoms over the previous year without a diagnosis.
I was having auras and slight pain in the back of my neck,, beneath my head. Similar to the feeling of someone pressing thiumb into my neck.
I had my heart checked in the weeks leading yup to the stroke. My GP suggested we look at this since the nuerologist wasn't making any progress.
I was diagnosed with a PFO - so know I knew the likely path the clots took to cause the strokes. I ended up having the PFO closed. But I continued searching. I wanted to know if I was clotting ore than a "normal" person.
After seeing a haematologist, I was also diagnosed with Anti phospholid Syndrome (Hughes syndrome). This was the likely cause of my clots.
Since the PFO closure, my auras have gone and I feel generally better (apart from the left overs of the stroke(s). I am on warfarin for the anti phospholipd syndrome.
Hope your situation went well and you found some answers.