Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

Lebber, If you wake up frequently during the night, this is a common symptom of sleep apnea. Lack of proper breathing causes the brain to struggle and waking up is often part of that as the brain fights for oxygen. Do you wake with stressful dreams? Have you considered a sleep test ? The home sleep test could be worthwhile before doing a sleep lab test.

For me, the dishwasher was a challenge. Too much head and neck movement, especially the tipping the head forward.

SPNS, Yes, a ministroke is often a TIA. But, a ministroke can last longer. TIAs show no symptoms shortly after the event. Neuros often do not mention TIAs because they cause alarm and anxiety and are hard to treat. With proper high resolution imaging, some TIAs are observable as they leave very small pockets of damage or reduced flow. But, the imaging does not change treatment.

It would be important to determine if the stroke is a bleed or a blockage. You can treat a blockage with blood thinners. Blood thinners can be a problem if you have a bleed.

A Doppler ultrasound of the carotid and vertebral arteries could show plaque and blood flow issues.

I'd back away from strong meds until you have a more acute problem with chronic symptoms. There are risky side-effects. OTC blood thinners can be best.