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Just found out I’ve had a silent mini stroke!
After a fall, my doctor ordered a CT scan, and an “incidental” find was a silent mini stroke (not TIA) in a small vessel. Age indeterminate, so not sure how long I’ve had it.
I’m scheduled for Carotid artery Doppler, and a coronary artery CT. Doctor put me on .81 aspirin, and awaiting results of scans.
I’m quite concerned that this increases my risk for a large stroke, or more mini strokes. I’ve changed my diet, losing weight, getting cholesterol down (which wasn’t overly high) and watching BP, (which is normal). I’m 73 and otherwise in good health…. I thought!
Have you had similar findings? What have you experienced?
Thank you. I love our Mayo Clinic group.
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Her health team must be apprised of the lastest event, and of the previous one and when it took place if they don't already know. Sadly, and I am not a health expert, not a physician, but it does sound to me like a TIA. About all you can do for now is to read up on TIAs, what if any treatment can be undertaken, including prophylaxis, which is almost always a DOAC (Direct-acting Oral Anti-coagulant), and what she (and you) can/should do in order to stem their onset in the future.
These signs are often an indication of systemic inflammation. The adhesion of plaque and thrombosis are both exacerbated by inflamed tissues, including portions of the vascular system. Your physician and perhaps a neurologist will know where to take this from here.
What did her MRI show?
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1 ReactionNothing. After the major "mini"-stroke last Feb she had all sorts of tests (MRI, CT, bubble test) and nothing came up. They just assumed it was a mini-stroke and put her on plavax and cholsterol meds.
Sure. She saw her health team today. They are at a lost and she's very atypical. They ordered more blood work and redoing older tests.
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1 ReactionI recently had an incident where everything went white. My husband took me to the hospital to get evaluated. After spending 4 hours in ER, I found no results whatsoever as to what happened. I had an EKG and a CT. all negative. Just had a ablation and a watchman for Afib done 2 weeks ago. Dr. recommended I have an MRI to determine if I had a mini stroke but didn't do it then. How do I get a doctor to take me serious? Am frustrated.
2lizjohn, your frustration is understandable. It's somewhat puzzling why the ER dr didn't order the MRI while you were there, but your primary care provider can certainly do that. From my mother's experience, a TIA would not always show up on an MRI, but she had classic symptoms. Seeing white was not one of those. Not to confuse you or frustrate you further, but I wonder if you might want to contact an opthalmologist. I did that when everything in my world turned black. No cause was found at that time, howeverI felt bette r knowing she could see the nerves in my eyes and if there had been a concern, she would have followed through with treatment. Reason I return every 6 months, especially now that I've had a stroke.
I sincerely hope your frustration subsides and you can get the care and help you need.
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2 Reactions@guyrien, my first thought was for your wife to ask her primary care provider or neurologist to schedule an MRI asap. That could eliminate that ticking time bomb feeling for her. Once you know, you know. Depending on what is discovered, she may be referred to a cardiologist as well. As for blood thinners, I remember my dad had to be careful what he ate and drank (no alcohol) while taking them. You may want to check on that.
Once you two know what you are truly dealing with, you can attack a plan to prevent a stroke in the future. No guarantees, but we stroke survivors give it all we've got and pray for the best. I encourage you two to do the same. Hope you get good results!
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1 ReactionThank you for your input, it is much appreciated. I have an appt with an eye specialist if April. I Will be seeing my doctor this next week and if he doesn't recommend an MRI, I am going to ask for one. It is the unknown that is the worst. My father died of a stroke so that is always in the back of my mind which also frustrates me that the ER doctor didn't order one when I told her of my father's stroke. I think she dropped the ball. My husband and I both felt like we weren't taken seriously since I walked into the ER. I wonder if I would have been treated differently if I had arrived by ambulance. Question rather I ever want to go back to that hospital again.
I’ve had a few TIAs now. They were all different. Can you describe more what you saw? You said everything went white. 100%? You couldn’t see anything but white? Partially? Did you close one eye then the other to see if it was one eye or both? White or bright like overexposed? How long did it last? Did it go away suddenly or slowly? Sorry for playing 20 questions. Just trying to get a better feel about your experience and then I’ll comment.
Hi, @lizjohn - I merged your discussion related to mini stroke with this other ongoing discussion about the same topic. Here you will get to talk with even more members about your experiences.