Stroke Thread
 

I had a TIA (Trans Ischemic Attack) about 3 1/2 years ago or 3 years prior to my latest concussion that has caused my PCS issues. At the time I was tested thoroughly by neurologists and cardio-pulmonary specialists without any indication of damage or lasting impression. On the whole it was a very strange and frightening experience.

The results were changes to my diet and exercise patterns and an awareness that TIA sufferers have an increased likelihood of another stroke.

When I had my concussion this go round and during my hospital stay, pretty much all of the same tests were performed as precautions due to my prior history.

Does anyone else have any history of TIA and TBI / Concussion / PCS ?

There are many forms of TIA's. Many are not severe enough to seek medical attention due to their transient nature. They can happen during sleep and feel like a foggy brain when one wakes up. The ischemia can be due to restricted blood flow from an embolism or just a lack of proper oxygen from apnea or other Hypoxic-Anoxic events which is otherwise known as a HAI (Hypoxic-Anoxic Injury). A vasovagal attack can also cause a momentary TIA.

In my brain injury support group, there is a young man who suffered a concussion then a TIA on the sidelines. Sometimes, a vascular accident in the carotid or vertebral arteries can release a clot or plaque that coincides with the trauma to the head.

TIAs that are not imageable are as difficult to diagnose and understand as concussions and PCS.

My incident went like this: I was at a small town near the beach. I woke up and my vision was extremely blurred. I thought I was having issues with my contacts. When my wife asked what was wrong, my speech was completely garbled. In my head I sounded fine as I thought of the words to say. The actual words were giberish. My wife sat me down and called the hot-line number on my insurance card. They told her to get me to a hospital ASAP. Closest hospital was 15 minutes away. By the time I got there, I was pretty much back to normal. The hospital was a small regional one and they had no clue.

The next day I went to my GP, who sent me to a neurologist who tested me ad nauseum and gave me a presumed diagnosis and a reasonably clean bill of health.
Arterial scans did show some plaque and my GP started me on diet / exercise / statins to lower my lipids / triglicerides / cholesterol numbers. I've had pretty good results with the new regimen.

I saw my neurologist today and asked him about possible impacts of statins and PCS medications and healing in general and he said that there was nothing conlusive in any studies to indicate any conflicts or negative impact.

I am staying with my aspirin regimen.

No statins for me.

I am not surprised the doc could not make a diagnosis.

I also do the (81mg/day) aspirin regimen.