Just found out I’ve had a silent mini stroke!

Hi, @wnasholds - you might check out this Mayo Clinic Connect discussion:

- Post stroke central pain
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/post-stroke-central-pain/

I’m 78 and I had 2 small vessel strokes last Oct of 2024. MRI showed I had had 4 that I was unaware of. The two I was aware of was first day I had double vision for about 20 minutes and I didn’t think anything of it. Second day, I was driving and turning onto a busy street and my left arm wouldn’t move for a matter of seconds. Had no pain. All went back to normal. My neuro told me I may never have a major stroke because my carotid arteries in my neck have good flow but I could have another small vessel stroke. Most of us will have this in our 80s but when we can’t remember things or we can’t do things as easily as we once did we chalk it up to old age and do not get help. I went early enough that I could change my diet and get more cardio in. It did leave me with lots of anxiety that I’m still dealing with but it has eased up. I’m on a blood thinner, clopidigrel because I’m allergic to aspirin. I did get stroke post fatigue for a month or so. He told me to do everything I’ve done before and go on with my life. Easier said then done. I eventually started going out more and seeing friends which helps a lot. Good luck to you. You’ll be ok

Hi , sorry to hear. It is scary! I recently found out I had a small stroke. As it was put to me. I had a CT done , for ear issues. The stroke showed on this CT. I waited over 2 weeks to finally get the ENT to discuss my CT results. He did not offer up any information about the stroke. I did my research and found out on my own, prior to him finally discussing CT . When prompted he confirmed a small stroke. Told me not to lose any sleep over it. To contact my PPO. And set up an appointment. So now I wait another week. Yes losing sleep over it. Seems no one is concerned , but me. Includes family / spouse.So am I concerned for no reason? I feel I need to stay calm. But so very difficult to do. Why was this not a priority for my ENT ? A doctor is a doctor , regradless of specialty.

I understand your concern. I'm not sure what a silent or small stroke is. Two years ago at 78 I had a headache and my wife and I checked all the common stroke symptoms like weakness in muscles, etc. Didn't have any of those symptoms but several days later I had difficulty in remembering words and pronouncing words. Several weeks later I saw my cardiologist and mentioned it. He became very concerned that I had a stroke. My family doctor got his report the same day and met with me the following day and arranged a MRI the same day. Within 2 hours the report showed that I had part of my brain had a clot that basically killed part of my brain. I don't have any conditions that normally generate clots. My cardiologist became concerned about what caused the clot. He's been checking for afib and I have a loop inserted in my chest near my heart checking for afib, but no issues. He also checked my heart to see if I have a hole between the upper chambers of my heart called a Patent Foramen Ovale or PFO. We all have this hole when in our mother's womb to transfer oxygen to our body. After birth the hole is not needed and will close for most people but one forth of people still have the hole. PFO can cause clots. They can close the hole and I met with a specialist and Neurologist but based on my age they decided against it. So, I don't know if I had a small or silent stroke, but it's changed my life. I can't access part of my brain and wonder if another clot will be coming or when it will come and where it will hit. Mayo has a unit that deals with heart and brain connections and causes of clots. I wasn't able to get in and only on a waiting list with over 50 patients. My personal doctors monitor me, but who knows. Best to you both and good health.

Most drs will not respond to something that is not their specialty. Maybe it was a tiny one if you did not know it had happened and tons of people have them. You may never have another one so no harm done. If he had told you right away you would have worried a lot for something that is done and gone. A neurologist should be the one to discuss it with you to ease your mind. I had 6 when I found out and I freaked out. Now 6 months later I know more about them and do know that as we get older most people will have them because our blood vessels are wearing out. Talk to your primary and hopefully, you will feel better about it.

In 2018 I had a stroke. Only symptom..pins and needles in left foot. Finally called my dr,
who told me to call ambulance and meet her at the ER
MRI showed I had an ischemic stroke and also had been having mini strokes for some time
I had no obvious causes
Within a few days developed. Dvts in both legs and placed on Eliquis. My oncologist ( who had treated me for NHL) did further bloodwork and discovered I had
Polycythemia Vera, which caused my stroke
I tell everyone to ignore nothing
Better safe than sorry

Hello. Just found out had 2 mini-strokes due to off of eliquis for 36-hours for dental surgery which was a tough one. PCD now recommending a Watchman device for additional stroke protection if cardiologist okays it.
Would appreciate Watchman referrals from experienced users now. Thank you.
Blessings to all.

Mike Collins
Overland Park, KS

Hi, @oumike - There are a few discussions on Connect that might be useful to you about a medical implant used to reduce the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (Watchman).

Here's a recent discussion looking for those who may have experience with this implant:

- Watchman
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/watchman-2/
This discussion started back in 2017, but it has comments from members through 2024 that may be useful:

Any experiences with Watchman Implant for A-Fib?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/watchman-implant-for-a-fib/

I developed CPS about six weeks after my stroke in 2018. Effects left side of my body, head to toe.. like I’m split in two sides. Pain is constant Great neurologist
has tried multiple meds, I’ve had acupuncture, pain management specialists, medical marijuana, PT,
now seeing highly regarded
physiatrist (new specialty to me) who keeps trying to find help for me
I keep researching and hoping and praying something will work

Thank you for support hugs