Weird Symptoms

[Momzilla]

Hi~  I got a frantic call from a friend whose sister has been having disturbing neurologic symptoms that have been increasing in severity and frequency lately.  He knows that I see a neurologist for somewhat related symptoms, so he asked if I would do some checking for him/her.

Do these symptoms make sense to anyone?

sudden loss of vision which lasts for a few minutes, with complete recovery

sudden double/triple vision, lasting a short time with complete recovery

unilateral leg weakness "drop to the floor" again, lasting a short time with complete recovery

inability to close jaw which dropped open - lasted minutes, complete recovery


Her only neurologic history is migraine headaches, so I thought perhaps it sounded vascular, nd recommended she ask for amn MRA, which come to find out, she had today.  Results will come tomorrow. The funny thing is, as you can see, these episodes last only at most 15 minutes, and she has complete recovery; no lasting weakness.

Please let me know if anyone has heard of such episodes before.  This family is quite frightened, as she has had two episodes this week.

Thanks very much!

Momzilla*

[Momzilla]

Hi, again~

I appreciate the additional information.  I know that due to the tenets of her religion, our friend's sister does not eat any meat, but I don't know if she has any problems with her cholesterol.  I know we all consume too much animal fat, living in America!  I will pass this along to her.  I'll email the thread.  I hope I've guessed her age correctly!  

Thanks, yet again!  Take care,

Zilla*  

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Thank you for your kind words too. Your friend is lucky to have someone like you for support.

At this time, even if the diagnosis of transient ischemic attack is not yet definite, it would be highly advisable to start modifying her lifestyle and diet to help in prevention of future serious sequelae. You should tell this to your friend.

You could try to post your concerns on this forum too. I'm sure there is enough space for it.

Good luck to you and your friend's sister.

[Momzilla]

You're very kind.  I work for a plastic and reconstructive surgeon as his research coordinator.  It's so good of you to visit the forum and contribute the way you do.  

I may start a new thread, but I don't know if there's enough space!  I regularly post over on the MS forum, as so many ER docs thought that's what my trouble was.  In  my quest for a diagnosis, I've made many friends over on the forum there.  There's a 'resident physician' over on that forum, and her first thought was TIAs for my friend's sister, as well.  Great minds...

I spoke to our friend this morning, and he seemed somewhat relieved to have something to at least consider with regards to his sister.  Thanks again.  Please don't feel you have to respond.

Take care!

Zilla*

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Yes I am a physician. However, I do not claim to be an expert in this field and since this is just a forum, what we say cannot be taken immediately as facts but as opinions, and the decision to follow our advices would rest entirely on your shoulders, after serious thought and consideration of all facts available.

Yes, you can surely post your own concerns on this forum. I would suggest starting a new thread rather than continuing on this one so that other knowledgeable doctors and fellow patients can see your post and offer their own insights regarding your concerns.

Please give my regards to your friend and family. I do hope your friend's sister would recover soon.

[Momzilla]

I thank you SO much for your response.  Are you indeed an MD?  You certainly sound like it!  If so, I should run MY history by you....

Seriously, I truly appreciate your speedy response.  I will pass the information along to this lovely family.

Take care!

Momzilla*

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

You are very right on the money to recommend an MR angiography for her symptoms. It does appear that her clinical presentation is related to a cerebrovascular condition and that test would help determine or rule it out.

The symptoms and presentation are consistent with the occurrence of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) where stroke-like symptoms occur for several minutes then completely resolves with no sequelae. It is related to a temporary decrease in blood supply to certain parts of your brain.

If this diagnosis has been made, she would probably be prescribed medication that would help prevent the occurrence of a stroke in the future. She should also start modifying her diet and lifestyle by limiting intake of cholesterol and fat, avoiding smoking, and exercising regularly.

Hope this helps your friend's sister.

Good luck.