Just found out I’ve had a silent mini stroke (TIA). Had this?

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.

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

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

does anyone here suffer the nightmare of Central Post-stroke Pain?
I hope not! difficult to diagnose, easy to feel, but horrible. affects my life hugely. "Neuroplastic pain. no obvious injury except stroke damage to thalamus likely. spino-thalamic nerve track sending wrong "messages" of pain to my left arm and hand joints.. on fire! pharmas tho Duloxetine, anSSNRI antidepressant is supposed to help . I think it may be working but does not last! "the brain creates the pain"
I am told.
Anyone here ever heard of it at least?
has anyone heard about the Vanderbilt U.Pain Treatment Ctr. of the neurology dept there? supposedly use brain stimulation to alleviate CPSP
I am seeking help from there.
wish me luck!
thank you.
Wade

CSVD = cerebral small vessel disease, chronic small vessel disease, white matter disease, lacunar ischemic stroke
TIA = transient ischemic attack

hello, please spell out acronymns. not all are common and familiar to all.
Thank you!
Wade Nasholds
PS I had an ischemic stroke in my Middle CerbralArtery just over 3 years ago. within a month or so after pain started in my left arm and left leg joints burning stabbing pain. no drugs helped. I thinknit is something called Central Post StrokePain, CPSP. tho other acronymns and names can be used.
anyone ever heard of or experienced such pain after their stroke?
thx
WN

I agree that cognitive therapy can be very helpful as well. I did it when I had some very negative cardio related diagnoses. I do take an antidepressant and an antianxiety drug also, but I have been able to reduce the drugs/doses over time. Having a good attitude is the best medicine.

It was a shock to me to know I had had 6 strokes. I only know of 2. One morning i woke up with double vision but it went away in 20 minutes and the next day I couldn’t move my left arm for several seconds but that was it. I had anxiety immediately after that one and I have weird anxiety 6 months later. I do not have any lingering affects but tension headaches that I’ve had to go to PT to take care of them and anxiety and depression. This is common after having the strokes. I’m doing pretty good tho. I also have been going to a therapist to help with the anxiety and depression and that has helped. Cannot take antidepressants but therapy does help. I’m better today by far then 6 months ago and Im grateful for that. At my age of 79 CSVD is very common and most people will have it in their 80s. I feel better knowing I’m not the odd duck. Good luck to you

I can empathize with you. I have CSVD also and have had a TIA. During one of my MRI's the neurologist asked me how many lacunar strokes I have had. They apparently showed up on the imaging but I can't pinpoint any specific episodes. It was a surprise to me!