Mini-Stroke (TIA) vs. Stroke

[Hillbeans]

My Father had what is being diagnosed as a Mini-Stroke last week. He is doing much better thank goodness and was released from the hospital this past Saturday. My question is about lasting effects. His right arm is numb from his shoulder to his fingertips, his right ear is numb and his jaw.

If it was indeed a TIA shouldn't those symptoms be going away? Does treatment and recovery vary whether it was just a TIA or a Mini-stroke? He is on a heavy blood thinner and a few other medicines, and has a 50% blockage in his left Carotid Artery. He is meeting with his doctors today and over the course of the week however I wasn't sure if anyone else has been through something similar with their parent or themselves and what was the end result whether that feeling came back or not.

TIA!

 

[Chris2597]

My mom had several "mini strokes or TIA's. She was presribed meds back in the late 80's and did very well, until she had a major stroke 7 yrs later. She recovered most of her loss after a few yrs through hard work and determination. She was presribed more meds as a preventative. She passed away last Dec at the age of 87 after taking a fall, which the drs attributed to a TIA making her dizzy. She was recovering from the fall when a week later she was hit with a major stroke and died 2 weeks later.
When my mom was having TIA's she would feel tingly on one side of her face and arm and the last few she had she said that she would get dizzy, slurred speach, black out for a moment. Her TIA symptoms or deficits would usually disappear in a few hours to a few days. I hope everything turns out ok for your dad. How old is he?

 

[frndshpcptn]

My Dad had a TIA a year ago.

He's doing much better now - for which I am incredibly grateful (note my signature - I am acutally fundraising for the Stroke Association right now!)

He didn't have lasting numbness - I think that might be worth warrenting a closer look by your doctor...

 

[Hillbeans]

Thank you for sharing your family stories and information

He just turned 75 last week.

I guess i'm just concerned that the numbness won't go away but a very kind DIS'er PM'd me to remind me that these things can take time.

 

[Liberty Belle]

A few months ago (maybe in the spring?) my mom had what they thought was a TIA. She had the same exact symptoms as your dad. After they didn't go away for a couple weeks, they told her that was an indicator that it was a true stroke.

She's doing much better. Her hand is the only thing that bothers her now and with physical therapy (and a glove thing she wears) it's way better than it was.

 

[Aristomommy]

I work with patients with TIAs all the time. Most symptoms go away with time, one week is often not enough though, so don't be concerned. TIAs don't cause permanent damage to brain cells or permanent disability, because it is caused by a temporary interruption to blood flow. Having a TIA will raise the risk of stroke later on though.

Physical therapy and occupational therapy might be helpful in regaining any lost function. Speedy recovery to your father.

 

[arminnie]

My dad had a TIA in May. When it happened he had paralysis on the left side.

We were in New Orleans (he lives in Arkansas), and I came home and found him like that. He didn't even know he had anything wrong.

It turns out that my dad had been having slight blackouts in one eye for sometime - doctors had just ignored it. The doctor in New Orleans said that meant he'd been have TIAs each time.

He had surgery for his carotid artery and did just great. He got a urinary tract infection a couple of weeks later that really knocked him out.

But he is now back in good shape - driving, going to the grocery store, and visiting old ladies. And he is 87 years old.