Daily Aspirin

Within the last couple years have had several episodes that my neurologist isn't sure what it was.  Possible TIA, complicated migraine, etc..  Have had ct scan, MRI with and without contrast, TEE to check for ASD- all of those tests were normal.  Do have a positive ANA.  Now also having joint pain in fingers and hands.  My neurologist has put me on Daily Aspirin 325mg to prevent possible recurrant TIA.  My question is this safe to be on long term?  I have read alot about Daily Aspirin, and  wondering since we aren't positive that I did have a TIA, should I be on a lower dose like the Baby Aspirin?  I am going to talk with my Neurologist, but also wanted another opinion.  The first episode I had was first started with vision problems, then a little later had trouble with my speech, couldn't remember names, phone numbers, had trouble dialing the phone, husband recited a # to me over phone and wrote down totally different numbers than what he recited.  Just had total cognitive problems, speech problems for about 10-15 minutes. Did go to ER, which is how I was referred to my Neurologist.  Had a slight headache rest of the day.  Another time I had a strange sensation on lower left leg, like a pins and needles feeling when I walked, but sitting down almost felt like a feather or hair was on my leg.  This lasted several hours.  No history of migraines. 31 yr old female, in shape, non smoker, no other health problems.  Do these sound like TIA's?  And what do you thing about the Aspirin?  Thank you for your time!

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

The spells you have described could be consistent with TIA's or migraine phenomenon. There is nothing in the history or tests which precludes TIA as a possibility. Have you had a hypercoaguable profile? Do you smoke or use birth control pills. If you smoke and use birth control pills this increases the risk of stroke.

Regarding the aspirin, if you have no bleeding disorders, and do not follow a dangerous life style ( for example, rock climbing) then taking the aspirin should be safe. However that being said, there is no solid evidence that 325mg is better then 81mg. However, once an idividual has had multiple confirmed TIA's they typically are prescribed 325mg.

If you are questioning the diagnosis then obtaining a second opinion from a stroke (vascular neruologist) doctor would be reasonable.I hope this helps. Good luck

[billabong]

Hi having just read your comment I was curious if you have been checked for Lupus or SLE. You make no mention of it, yet portray many of the symptoms, Joint Pain, Memory problems along with a Positive ANA test. There is an associated symptom called Hughes Syndrome or sticky blood.
I have Lupus and have had Avascular Necrosis of both hip Joints from Steroid treatment some years ago.
Recently (6-12Months) I have been noticing decline in my memory, and particularly my concentration ability, and forgetting what I was about to do.
Have just had an MRI of the brain, last week, and results yesterday, and I need a CT scan on Thursday. Essentially the findings are and I quote "Rounded Lesion of Low Signal strength on the T2W in the right parietal, may represent Cavernous Angioma or Possibly Calcified Cryptogenic arterial venous malformation. They say the CT scan is to check for calcification. But my doctor also recommend taking Baby Aspirin daily. So sounds like some similarities, maybe worth checking out for Lupus if you haven't done so already. Best of Luck..