Why am I having strokes and TIAs?

Question

I am a 24yo female, overall good health, I exercise, I am not underweight or overweight(just right for my height), I have normal blood pressure, normal cholesterol, normal everything, except my pulse is about 55resting. I exercise regularly, I smoke and drink socially. I had a stroke Sept 2005 and then another in Nov 2005. The first one was labelled a TIA, and the second one was more severe and I had to go to the physical rehabilitation for it. Last night I started getting symptoms and went to the ER to learn that I was having another TIA. What is going on with me? I take my 81mg of aspirin everyday,and my plavix,. I am very healthy, but I keep having strokes. My doctors have no idea. Does anyone know what could be causing this?

Answer 1

I am so sorry! I am an occupational therapist and I have worked with young stroke victims, and I do not know the cause. If I were you, I would have an intensive series of testing from EEG's to MRI's to find out what's the problem.

Do you have a predisposition to strokes? Do you take birth control? How often do you smoke?

Those are some causative factors that could impact your health. The major causes of TIA's typically are small blood clots or cholesterol blockages--it's really odd that you have normal cholesterol!

I would keep going and finding different opinions--mini-strokes a lot of time leads to a massive stroke. Don't let doctors just say, "I don't know." Find one who is willing to keep testing.

Answer 2

You sound like you are doing the right things and we are on the same page here. But just in case anyone is wondering what TIA is.

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a transient stroke that lasts only a few minutes. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is briefly interrupted. TIA symptoms, which usually occur suddenly, are similar to those of stroke but do not last as long. Most symptoms of a TIA disappear within an hour, although they may persist for up to 24 hours. Symptoms can include: numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion or difficulty in talking or understanding speech; trouble seeing in one or both eyes; and difficulty with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.

Lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, maintaining healthy weight, exercising, and enrolling in smoking and alcohol cessation programs can also reduce these factors. Also moniter use of caffeine and narcartic stimulants, such as cold medicine that contains psudepehedrine.

Answer 3

You should ask doctor to get a CT scan and also check for embolism as some women are apt to get them from age 20 to 38 and it can cause stoke or even worse. My friend had exactly that and was told not to worry as it will be OK with meds etc, the embolism got her and it was too late. If your doctor is on the ball you will be fine with proper meds and attention as needed. But get checked out by a good doctor and get 2nd oppinions too....

Answer 4

He has stopped his BP medication, something with a purpose to support him preclude a stroke. Seems as though he thinks he can preclude his disorders. Right now he had a powerful ought to get this resolved and you have got now not indicated that he has performed that.

Answer 5

Maybe you should see a hematologist-a blood doctor- you're blood apparently is too thick or clots too easily. You definately need more diagnostic testing!! Best of health to you.

Answer 6

Wow that is young. That is strange you cholestrol is normal and your bp is normal. It is crazy but you did not list your symptoms. You should talk to your doctor.

Answer 7

there could be a bigger thing going on here, you could have cancer or a hereditary disease. you might want to go to different doctors, cause this isn't normal