Effectiveness of a scan following a suspected TIA

[sjgoh]

Hi all,

My father claims he suffered a mini stroke (TIA, Transient ischemic attack) 2 days ago when he felt his left arm was "paralysed" for about 10 minutes and only regained full control and sense of the arm after massaging with his right hand.

Today, the hospital suggested an immediate scan of his brain, which my father insisted to have it done only tomorrow, 3 days after his suspected TIA. Following some reading on the internet, I understand 2 types of scans are normally used at this stage to detect for signs of a stroke - CT scan and MRI scan. I have not found out from my dad which scan is he going for tomorrow. However, I wish to understand better what these scans can tell about a patient.

Since TIA does not leave any permanent damage to the brain, can one say there is no tell-tale signs in the brain to suggest if a TIA had actually happen? Hence, what exactly can a CT scan or MRI scan tell? How can a doctor relate the results to what course of action to take next or whether another kind of scan is necessary to confirm if there's any clot in the arteries?

Appreciate all inputs.

[caregiver222]

Well, passages that are blocked to not always stay blocked. That is to say clots may, and do not always, disappear into ther bloodstream of their own accord. Spasms disappear of their own accord after time, or upon the use of relation agents, such as under-the-tongue nitroglycerine. Every invasive diagnostic procedure has a downside and often potential hazard. That's another issue.

[sjgoh]

Thanks for the reply.

Adding on.. if the doctors are certain that was indeed a TIA, can they order a scan for the heart to search for the blocked blood passage?

Instead of waiting for the onset of a real stroke, can the doctors begin their search?

[caregiver222]

They can show "dead tissue", commonly known as an infarct, and sometimes "inflamed tissue". Symptoms of the type you describe can often be cause by small "spasms" of smooth muscular tissue, as well as localized temporary pressure. The initials "TIA" stand for transient ischemic attack. The "transiency" can be due to many mechanisms. It is often a situation where "watchful waiting" is the only possible cause of action.