Hi Terry,
Thank you for reaching out to us via ask a health professional about your TIA last year and current change in hand function.
Firstly, you mentioned you regained your hand function post TIA and now your hand function has deteriorated. This is a concern and I would strongly encourage you to reach out for a medical review asap via your GP or local hospital today, due to this change and deterioration.
Also you report ongoing impacts from your TIA. A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is when the blood supply to your brain is blocked temporarily. These signs are the same as for a stroke, but they disappear within a short time. Often, the signs are only present for a few minutes. A TIA is sometimes called a “mini stroke”. Unlike a stroke, a TIA has no lasting impact on how well you can walk, move, talk, swallow, think, or see.
After a TIA, your risk of stroke is higher. A TIA is a warning that you may have a stroke, and it is an opportunity to act to prevent this happening. With investigation and treatment, the risk of stroke following TIA can be reduced by up to 80 per cent.
You can read more about TIA here in our TIA booklet.
Signs of Stroke:
The Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke. Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions:
- FaceCheck their face. Has their mouth drooped?
- ArmsCan they lift both arms?
- SpeechIs their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
- TimeIs critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.
With a TIA, the signs are the same, but they disappear after a short time. If you have any of the signs of stroke, call triple zero (000) straight away. Even if you aren’t sure, or the signs only last for a few minutes, call triple zero (000). A stroke is always a medical emergency. The longer a stroke remains untreated, the greater the chance of stroke-related brain damage. After a TIA, your risk of stroke is higher. Stroke can lead to death or disability. A TIA is a warning that you may have a stroke and an opportunity to prevent this from happening.
Facial weakness, arm weakness and difficulty with speech are the most common symptoms or signs of stroke, but they are not the only signs.
The following signs of stroke may occur alone or in combination:
- Weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding
- Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall
- Loss of vision, sudden blurring or decreased vision in one or both eyes
- Headache, usually severe and abrupt onset or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches
- Difficulty swallowing
As mentioned earlier we stress the importance of you seeking medical attention asap due to your report of the change and deterioration with your hand function.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this email, please do not hesitate to contact StrokeLine at 1800 787 653 or strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We operate Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm AET.
Wishing you all the best,
Bec and the StrokeLine team.