TIAs?

Please help. My 53 year old husband has had 7 or 8 episodes over the last 4 months that have been diagnosed as TIAs. His hands become shaky, speech slurred, difficulty or slowness comprehending and responding to speech, a fixed stare, unable to walk (shaky legs, poor balance).  He frequently complains of being tired. He has been hospitalized 3 times and has had the following tests (some of them more than once): CT, MRI, MRA, doppler of carotids and legs, 24 hr EEG, blood tests for clotting disorders. All results were negative. A TEE was done. A PFO was found; the neurologist recommended that this be repaired, and a cardio seal was installed about a month ago. He is on coumadin now but the episodes continue to occur. I'm having difficulty believing that these are caused by blood clots; one occurred right after his inr read over 3. There doesn't appear to be any one thing that triggers these. They have occurred after he has awoken from a nap, and when he been active. What might cause these? A sleep study was suggested-would this be useful?  

[JainMD]

Hi,
The sudden onset of a focal and transient (< 24 hours) neurological deficit due to brain ischemia are described as Transient Ischemic attacks.
Yes it is indeed true that these symptoms are caused by blood clots. What he is experiencing is due to embolus formation which compromises blood supply on and off in the brain and causing his symptoms.
Yes it is necessary to do a sleep study to see if there is an association between his sleep and his current problems.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.