PFO closure in the UK

Welcome to HealingWell.  A TIA would not necessarily show up on CT or MRI since by definition it is "transient" and not a completed event [stroke].

TIAs do not show brain changes on CT or MRI scans according to my neurologist.   (Most strokes do show changes on such tests.) Because symptoms and signs may have completely disappeared by the time one gets to the hospital, a diagnosis of a TIA may be made on a person's medical history alone. I had every test available including 2 TEE's and no PFO was found so that was not the cause of my TIA. 

I suspect you are feeling a bit depressed re the dx and procedure which would be normal as anytime we find out we have a problems re our health we tend to worry and then all the scary thoughts pop up. 

Learning that you have  a patent foramen ovale can be frightening. While your doctor can provide you with medical advice and information about the disorder, you may find it helpful to talk to other people who've been in the same situation. I would ask your Dr. if there are any Heart Support Groups in your area that you may be able to join to help you with the anxiety and ? depression tat are bothering you.  It helps to talk to others directly who have had the procedure.

Coming here was a good thing as you read through the forum you see that many others have been through what you are facing.'

Take care and stick with us.

Kindly,

Kitt

It is nice talking with you.  Here is the latest I have on TIAs and this was the information given to me in July of this year by my Dr. at Noran Neurological Clinic.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is like a stroke, producing similar symptoms, but usually lasting only a few minutes and causing no permanent damage. Often called a ministroke, a transient ischemic attack may be a warning. about one in three people who have a transient ischemic attack eventually has a stroke, with about half occurring within a year after the transient ischemic attack.

A transient ischemic attack can serve as both a warning and an opportunity — a warning of an impending stroke and an opportunity to take steps to prevent it.

Because a transient ischemic attack is short-lived, your doctor may diagnose a TIA based just on the medical history of the event rather than on anything found during a general physical and neurological examination. To help determine the cause of your TIA and to assess your risk of stroke, your doctor may rely on the following:

Computerized tomography (CT) scanning.

Computerized tomography angiography (CTA) scanning.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Arteriography.

As TIAs can be of very short duration your fainting spell may have masked your symptoms.

I had the CT, MRI, MRA of brain and carotids, TEE and many blood studies.

You say yu ar4 prone to fainting spell, can you share when it is your likely to faint ?

Kindly,

Kitt

My daughter has a history of fainting but hers is related to anxiety especially if it has anything to do with physician visits, blood draws etc.  One time she fainted and had a seizure so she was transported by ambulance to the hospital and went through all the tests.  Her final dx was Vasovagal syncope.  Vasovagal syncope occurs when your body overreacts to triggers, such as the sight of blood or extreme emotional distress. The trigger results in vasovagal syncope — a brief loss of consciousness caused by a sudden drop in your heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces blood flow to your brain.

At the time her Dr. told her the minute she feels the sx. as you described to lie down flat whereever she is even if it is on the floor.  She always has her lab work down while laying down.  :)

Glad you recognize your sx and sit down or lay down.  It sure beats taking the chance of being  hurt when fainting. 

TOE, that is great and I did know your spelling was just a bit different on some words.  My bubble test was normal.  So nobody can say I am a half a bubble off ~ silly joke !

The only thing found in all my testing is that I have Factor V Leiden. Factor V Leiden is a common inherited genetic disorder that can increase your chance of developing abnormal blood clots (thrombophilia), usually in your veins. This would not be the cause of the TIA however. 

Hope your day is awesome and again I enjoy talking with you.

Kindly,

Kitt

Hi Stillsmiling,

Some words of encouragement I hope.

My Aunt had a closure about 18 months ago. Prior to the procedure she suffered from lack of breath and energy along with cold hands etc. Since the procedure she on top of the world, she now has none of problems she had before and is back walking, hiking and camping and certainly appears to be a lot fitter than she was.

Earlier this Year in May I myself suffered a TIA and am due to have my closure 19th Jan in London. I am 44, very active, I don't drink or smoke and I am vegetarian (boring hey!)

Although I do not suffer from the symptoms my Aunt had, her experience has left me with no doubt about the procedure and I am confident it is the right way to go.

All the best for the future.

Ian.