Re: Possible TIA??

Posted By CCF Neurology M.D./TJW on September 13, 1998 at 14:03:13:

In Reply to: Possible TIA?? posted by Ron-L on September 13, 1998 at 12:01:28:






I have had 2 episodes of the following:
off ballance, cannot focus properly, slurred speech, very sharp headache
type pain behind right eye. these last 5 to 10 minutes.
I have hardly never had headaches of any kind , and my blood pressure
during these episodes has been 120/77 and 150/90. I suffered a fall off
a ladder 5 months ago and received a hard blow to the head (untreated) the fall did
not render me unconsious. I am 58 years old and i do not drink or smoke
and I work out daily.
Thank you
Ron-L



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Dear Ron:
The symptoms that you describe (imbalance, blurry vision, slurred speech,
and headache) could certainly be caused by a transient ischemic attack
(TIA). The problem I have with this preliminary diagnosis, however, is the
presence of headache with your spells, which is unusual in a classic
TIA. The manner in which your symptoms develop may provide some clues as
to the cause (i.e. if the blurry vision is only in the eye involved with
your headache, and your other symptoms are referable to the same side of
your face, a cluster headache could be an explanation, as could a potential
structural lesion in the cavernous sinus behind that eye, etc.)
The bottom line: your symptoms warrant an immediate neurologic evaluation,
one hopefully by a board certified neurologist. If it is convenient for you to
be seen here at CCF, please call 1-216-444-2200 and ask for the S-91
scheduling secretary (Dept of Neurology)- be sure to explain the urgency
of your visit so that you may be scheduled promptly.
Good luck to you.