Hey All

I think Luca had her first TIA last night; I'm totally freaked out. It started with her temperature rocketing to 39°C (102.2°F). She then started twitching and went into what I can only describe as a catatonic state - her neck arched back, her body was limp, and her open eyes looking a million miles away. It probably only lasted a minute during which time she was totally unresponsive and ended with some shuddering, a vomit and her crying and ultimately exhaustion.

There is no residual effects physically or mentally that we can observe. She still has the temperature today. Frightening is an understatement; it is one year to the day that she had her first stroke.

We have only been able to see her paediatrician, who has limited knowledge of moyamoya from treating Luca for the past 8 months or so, and he is suggesting it was a fit/seizure due to the temperature. He consulted with a neurologist who is saying that if it was a TIA, Luca would have some sort of residual effects i.e. weakness or drooping mouth on one side, etc. I don't know what his moyamoya credentials are.

Unfortunately Luca picked the week that there's some paediatric neurologists conference overseas and her nerologist, along with all the other paediatric neurlogists in Johannesburg are attending.

She is being tested as I type for what could have caused the temperature like a virus or bacteria.

Right, now that I've given plenty of background, my questions are as follows:

1. What's the general consensus on here, did Luca have a TIA?

2. Do others have temperatures before a TIA (and after)?

3. After a TIA, are others left with residual effects?

I look forward to the responses

Mark (Luca's Dad)

Definately sounds like a febrile seizure (a seizure brought on by fever).  None of the symptoms resemble those of a TIA.  I am not a doctor, but a PA with 16 years of internal medicine experience.  I agree with the earlier post that an EEG is the next step to determine if there is a new seizure focus, or if this is just an isolated occurance related to the fever.   I can't imagine how worried you are, I only hope that this information will offer some comfort.

Mark,

Sorry to hear about Luca, it does sound like siezure.  I like that you change her picture so often, its like we are watching her grow up.  I'll keep her in my prayer.

Margaret

Thank you all so much. Once again the moyamoya family provides the necessary support and comfort. I was convinced it was a TIA, not having experienced one, and wasn't really believing the doctors telling us otherwise. But the affermation from this group is all I needed.

Luca's temperature is down to normal; the tests indicate that it is a virus. We've doubled her Tegratol intake to twice a day and are keeping her dosed with Calpol for now to control the temperature.

She's tucked up in her cot and fast asleep, followed soon by two exhausted parents.

All the best
Mark (Luca's Dad)