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Mayo clinic to the rescue! http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mini-stroke/AN01432 looks like it could be indicative of possible issues--which is good because it can be fixed before anything happens to him:
When people use the term "ministroke," what they're really referring to is a transient ischemic attack (TIA) — a temporary interruption of blood flow to part of the brain. The symptoms of a TIA are similar to those of a stroke, but a TIA doesn't destroy brain cells or cause permanent disability. However, TIAs may recur and each TIA increases the risk of a subsequent stroke.
If you suspect that you've had a TIA, seek immediate medical attention. You may need various diagnostic tests — such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or a computerized tomography (CT) scan — to help determine what caused the TIA. Depending on the underlying cause, you may need medication to prevent blood clots or a procedure to remove fatty deposits from the arteries that supply blood to your brain
@ejs4y8: Thank you. While my mom is telling me not to worry, I just can't help it. I want to know everything now...he's my dad, ya know? When she told me yesterday, and I'm being completely honest, my entire childhood flashed before my eyes...then him walking me down the aisle at our wedding.
He had all of those tests done at hospital yesterday so I'm not sure what further tests he will be doing today.
My grandmother passed away after a series of ministrokes that was misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's (we found out after her autopsy). I really suggest that he change his lifestyle to prevent another.
@beekiss2: This is the thing...he's always led a very healthy lifestyle. Watches what he eats, he works out, he's active, he doesn't smoke or drink a lot. I just don't get it.
@stephinPA: I've been a neurosurgical ICU nurse for 5 years. I work in a Magnet academic medical facility that is a primary stroke center. If you have specific questions, please PM me. I would gladly answer any questions you may have.
@stephinPA: i'm so sorry to hear about your dad. My grandmother had multiple mini-strokes before a major one paralyzed her. My one major piece of advice is to educate yourself and your family on the signs of a stroke. This way if he happens to show any of the symptons you can get medical help right away.
@stephinPA
I think ej did a good job giving you the general idea. I too would be happy to answer any questions if you PM me or if you have specific questions that you think the board would benefit from and you don't mind sharing info, you can post them here.
Keep a close eye on him for the first 2 days-48 hours (yesterday and today through tomorrow). I wouldn't leave him alone during that time period.
ejs's post is correct. A TIA doesn't result in any permanent damage, but is a warning sign to look at all the ways to decrease the risk of a stroke. The tests he is probably having done: brain MRI, carotid doppler (ultrasound of carotid arteries to look for blockage), echo (heart ultrasound looking for abnormalities putting him at higher risk for a stroke), EKG (looking for a heart condition that increases risk of stroke), and cholesterol (which can block all arteries including the ones that go to the brain and cause a stroke).
His doctor will review his meds, and if medically appropriate will add (or make sure he is on)
1. anti-platelet therapy- essentially thins blood to decrease risk of clots blocking arteries
2. statin or other cholesterol medication
Good luck and prayers!
@guitargirl: You just nailed all of the tests he has lined up for this week. We were at my parent's all weekend and his spirits were good. My mom seemed okay but it also seemed as if there was a pink elephant in the room that no one was talking about. My husband and I very much wanted to talk about it but only brought it up here and there. We'll know results probably on Christmas Eve.
I sincerely appreciate all of your feedback. It really means a lot to me. We'll see what the week brings.
@beekiss2: It sounds like what your grandmother had wasn't a TIA, but was vascular dementia. That is a series of tiny but true strokes, that gradually kills off brain cells and looks a lot like Alzheimer's. Classically, "mini-stroke" usually refers to a transient ischemic attack (transient meaning that it goes away and isn't permanent). I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother, and I can imagine that it was really hard for your family. I just wanted to clarify for the OP. You're right though about them having the same root cause - cholesterol build-up in arteries that can stop blood flow or throw clots.
StephinPA - I hope your dad feels better, and this truly is a good warning sign, because now hopefully his doctors will be able to help him prevent a permanent stroke. Good luck to him.
@beekiss2: It sounds like what your grandmother had wasn't a TIA, but was vascular dementia. That is a series of tiny but true strokes, that gradually kills off brain cells and looks a lot like Alzheimer's. Classically, "mini-stroke" usually refers to a transient ischemic attack (transient meaning that it goes away and isn't permanent). I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother, and I can imagine that it was really hard for your family. I just wanted to clarify for the OP. You're right though about them having the same root cause - cholesterol build-up in arteries that can stop blood flow or throw clots. However, lifestyle isn't the only factor, since genetics and luck play a major role.
StephinPA - I hope your dad feels better, and this truly is a good warning sign, because now hopefully his doctors will be able to help him prevent a permanent stroke. Good luck to him.
@stephinPA:I'm not a doctor.. but I wanted to tell you my mom had a TIA a few years back. It was very scary at the time, as she didn't know who any of us were! However, she is doing wonderfully now and made a full recovery! I will keep your dad in my prayers. <3
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I just need to know what exactly this means...he's home and sounded just fine and the docs at the hospital said they weren't worried but are taking this as a warning sign and possibly a blessing in disguise. He's seeing his family doc today for many more tests...
Anyone?