Fao Sqad Mini Stroke

[Islay]

My father 71 had a mini stroke yesterday - generally in good health fit and active if a little over weight has had prostrate cancer in the past.
He was discharged today, told to rest and take asprin for 2 weeks, also will have physio for his arm that has lost 50% feeling.
I'm worried sick and he is adamant that I am not to fly home to him, but does this mean that he will have a full stroke - what happens next?
Thank you
Very worried very spoilt daddy's girl!

[jno]

some info here, till Sqad comes along

https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke/signs-symptoms-tia-mini-stroke#treatment

[RATTER15]

No it doesnt mean he will have a full stroke, many people have mini strokes TIA's etc without ever having a full blown stroke. Most are put on medication to help prevent another stroke, but once you have had a stroke it does mean you are more likely to get another at some time, many dont, so I shouldnt worry too much. I wouldn't fly home at this stage if he is coping without you. You dont need to be burdening him with guilt as well.

[Peter Pedant]

incredible amount on this

https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke/signs-symptoms-tia-mini-stroke#prevention

from what you say - there are some differences to your Dad

Obviously his GP needs to be involved
your dear Dad needs to go on with his clean living
and a fortnights aspirin sounds a bit short - surely that is 14 Aspirin tabs and told to continue ? I would anyway

(I had an ocular TIA and found it absolutely terrifying and am on Rivaroxaban and Never Miss a Dose

[Sqad]

Mini stroke is the same as a TIA Islay and is a warning sign that a full stroke may follow.
Lose weight, treat high BP or diabetes, cut out smoking, reduce alcohol intake.....and exercise more.
Aspirin reduces the incidence of further strokes by reducing the "stickiness of the blood platelets.

What happens now OR what should happen now?
What happens now is that he should have an MRI brain scan and Carotid artery blood flow studies. if the carotid arteries are blocked, he may well need them unblocking (carotid endarterectomy) .

Take this as a warning.

[Sqad]

No need to fly home.

[Peter Pedant]

oh chance of progression
new england journal 2003
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1412981#t=article

with in 3 months 12-20% which even they say is high and has come down.

I am not sure you can do anything if you do fly
so stay.

[Islay]

Sqad thank you so much for answering
He doesn't smoke but does love a couple of glasses of red wine
Fit goes to the gym several times a week and a keen gardener with an allotment and walks his dogs miles every day.
He's very tired obviously but I will speak to him tomorrow and ask what his GP is doing next - although I know he will say I am fussing!

[Sqad]

LOL....I think that he is correct......you are fussing a bit.....;-)
Keep us informed eh!

[Islay]

He's my dad Sqad !!
just hate being so far away at times - you know?

[RATTER15]

A few of my clients (I work caring for the elderly) have had quite few mini strokes that has not lead to a full stroke but of course the chances are increased with each mini stroke. Many go on for many years with no further issues. Its not all doom and gloom.

[Islay]

Thanks ratter

[Islay]

A wee update Aqad Dad feels so much better he has to go for some tests in January, but he is resting well and taking it easy although he still insists on walking his dog several times a day but he has reduced that to round the village instead of the big hikes he used to do.