Could this be TIA?

[JEDavis1]

The other moring I went in to put on my tie for work and suddenly went blank on how to tie it (I wear one every day so this is not a problem normally).  Fo a minute or two I simply had how to tie a tie completely blocked out to the point that I went in and looked it  up online to see what I was doing wrong.  I had not other "confusion" other than being confused and scared about the block on the tie issue. I mean , I knew where I was and what I was supposed to be doing, I knew how to go into the other room log on the computer and look up ties, its just that I could not figure out why I was not able to do it as normal.  Of course I started getting pretty nervous and considered things like stroke and tia and so on.  This whole thing lasted maybe one or two minutes.  Once realized what I was doing wrong, I tied the thing correctly as if it had never happened but had anxiety about it the rest of the day....

I spoke to my regular doc about it and he said it did not sound like TIA to him, and he did not recommend a neuro referral or TIA workup, but I would like some other opinions. Prior to this I had been taking low dose asprin for no specific reason for a while and did the night before.

Can TIA cause such a focused memory block like that?  Everything Ive seen seems like there is more involved, and it wouldnt be a memory issue about one single action but rather more of a broad memory experience.  I would say it was similar to forgetting what you were about to say or losing your train of thought for a minute.  

Thoughts on this please?   .

[JEDavis1]

"Another cause that may explain the lightheadedness, shaking spells, and dizziness could be carotid stenosis. "

Um... I dont have these so Im nost sure how it is related to my story.

Thanks for the reply though, Im 41

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Transient amnesia can occur. The cause is not entirely known. It is speculated to be either seizure activity, migraine, or even a TIA affecting the hippocampus.

I would suggest that you be evaluated for TIA and/or stroke. The workup may include MRI of the brain, echocardiogram, EKG, and vascular imaging (ultrasounds or MRA). You may also need to wear a holter monitor. You will need to have your lipid profile, TSH, HgbA1c checked, and these will need to be optimized if found to be abnormal.  I am not sure how old you are but a common cause of strokes and TIAs in the elderly is atrial fibrillation. Another cause that may explain the lightheadedness, shaking spells, and dizziness could be carotid stenosis.

Again, I recommend that you be evaluated by your physician.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.