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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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Sorry to hear that you've had an event. I know how scary it can be; I had a major stroke on Christmas Eve, 2018, and I am very concerned about having another one.
I think you're taking all the right steps, doing the best job you can. One bit of good advice I got was not to worry constantly about another stroke. That stresses you unnecessarily, and actually *increases* your risk.
It's difficult, I know, but letting fear dominate your whole existence is worse.
Good luck!
My stroke recovery story: http://www.youtube.com/@srlucado/videos
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2 ReactionsI have had 3 TIA's and I am curious. What is the difference between a silent mini stroke and a TIA? Initially, I worried about the possibility of a major stroke, but I don't worry anymore becuae, as the gentleman siad, the worry increasees your risk. Everything I have read says that you should not have any "side effects" of the TIA, but it definitely affected my writing ability. When I sign my name on a document, I get a brain freeze part way through [I do have a long name] and I have to deliberately force myself to continue writing. Take care of yourself and thanks for sharing.
P
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4 ReactionsThanks for responding to my post. From what I’ve read and heard from doctors, a TIA doesn’t leave a lesion (scar) on the brain, and a mini stroke does. Only visible on a scan. Have you had a scan?
I agree…. Easier said than done not to worry, but correcting what you can - weight, smoking, manage A1c and keep BP and cholesterol in check will greatly lower risk of a stroke. My neurologist said getting white matter in the brain is just a part of aging, but wants to do a MRI to get an answer to the characteristics of the lesions in the white matter.
I’m working on it, but I think I’ll need to go on a statin. It’s a scary process.
Wishing you all the best.
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2 ReactionsThe CT scan was “over interpreted” and completely wrong. I had further follow-up with MRI and three neurologists confirmed I didn’t have a stroke, and MRI was normal! The stress this error caused was horrendous, but relieved with correct results. I’ve learned to always follow-up with MRI, which is gold standard!
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6 ReactionsI have had both. The mini stroke shows up on an MRI as a lacunar stroke. I have had several and only went to the hospital once to my doctor's consternation. I guess it is better to be safe than sorry, though, since a mini stroke can be a precursor to something larger.
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