I have a question:

I mentioned in a prior post about having a TIA on my return flight.  We are guessing it was a TIA - however, the paramedic who helped me stated it could have been a seizure; the symptoms are quite similar.  Since returning, I've had 2 quick moments of numbness and tingling. 

Can anyone describe their thoughts on the differences between the two?  I'm trying to determine if I've had one or the other and despite my internet research, I'm still not sure. 

Thanks,
Trina

Hi Trinia -

Yes, I had constant TIAs after my first surgery.  While I was still in the hospital they put me on Heparin.  As Mar said, a few TIAs are "normal" after surgery.  But, if you are still worried, you should definitely call your doctor to put your mind at ease.  Keep up good healing!

-Shari

itsme wrote on May 31^st, 2005 at 1:18pm:

Because a TIA is temporary, which could just be from the swelling after the surgery. (Common after brain surgery) But if you don’t have the surgery for MM, it progresses and the collaterals eventually will not be sufficient and you won’t get the proper blood flow and oxygen that the brain needs, then you’re at risk of a probable, permanent, damaging stroke or even death without the surgery. So, no catch 22 here; surgery is the only option with MM disease, and IMO well worth the risk.

My

Mar

Hi itsme,

When I read your question about TIAs, my thoughts echoed Mar's response almost word for word.

TIAs, though frightening, are temporary, and they do not cause any permanent damage.  The possibilities without surgery are far more serious, with outcomes that are not temporary. 

Everyone's post-surgery experience is different.  You may not have TIAs at all, but it is impossible to predict, of course.  I don't blame you for asking, but I agree with Mar on this one . . . no Catch 22 here!

Looking forward to meeting you next month!

Jill

Hey itsme,

I LOVE your attitude!  You just bounce right back, and (in my opinion) you are making the best decision for yourself by having surgery.

With a teenager in the house just out of surgeries, driving and TIAs were at the top of our concern list.  Tara has had 3 TIAs since surgery - 2, 4 and 7 months post-op.  Her 1 year surgery anniversary is this week, though, and she's gone almost 5 months without one (knock on wood!).  She doesn't lose consciousness during a TIA, and we're pretty comfortable that she would be able to pull over if she has any more.  I wouldn't be truthful if I didn't say it scares me to death.  But, at the same time, we can't live our lives "in a bubble", so to speak!

Just my .  Talk with you soon!

Jill

Hi everyone:

Thank you for all the thoughts.  I think I get Mar's descriptions now.  That seizure could be part of the TIA?  That makes sense and something I didn't think of before.  I've heard that some seizures are so focused they are called focal or absence seizures and are very minor.  But I'm not sure those type of seizures require medication either.  Even if they do, I have not had enough to require any --- so far, Dr. Steinberg has said no anti-convulsant medication (thank goodness, I don't know if I could keep track of any more medications!). 

Itsme:
As far as the driving goes, here's how I feel about it.  After I had my stroke while driving home last Jan, I was very hesitant to drive alone for awhile.  But I had to to get back to work, and I thank god for cell phones and technology.  I truly believe every moya moya patient should carry a cell phone, esp. if they are driving.  I believe it saved my life that day, so I highly encourage it.  I agree with Jill, we can't live in a bubble but we can, and have to, take precautions, even post surgery. 

The other thing that is clear with moya moya patients is that you have to be hydrated - CONSTANTLY.  We believe I had a TIA on the plane partly b/c I was not hydrated enough (we believe that b/c I had no complications while I was at Stanford).  AGAIN, every patient is different so it may have nothing to do with hydration but I think in general it is important to stay hydrated all the time.  I have a post it note on my front door that says 'CELL PHONE, WATER BOTTLE, MEDS'.  Some people never leave home without American Express, I never leave home without those three things.    (Well, generally I never leave without my VISA but you get the idea ).   In any case, I agree with the others -- despite needing to take precautions, surgery is still the best option.