Question:

I have recently had an MRA/MRI of the Brain after episodes of facial numbness around my mouth on the right side, which resolves in minuets but raises my BP from anxiety of an impending stroke. I am trying to understand when to go or if to go to the hospital. Also when it is time to seek a second opinion. I have had on Internist and one neurologist but unclear how to prevent further episodes. I am down to 124# from 137# in weight, Cholesterol from 232 to 152 with Mediterranean.diet, walking, 325 aspirin,Zorcor 20mg,Diazide 37.5, Norvasc2.5 and still having the numbness occur about once a month I am afraid each time I am having further brain damage and don`t know where to turn next, any suggestions please?

Answer:

If you are having recurrent, similar episodes without any lasting residual deficits, it may be that they are not TIAs or strokes. There are other things that can cause transient neurologic symptoms, including migraine, seizures, or panic attacks. I cannot provide a diagnosis from the information you’ve given me, as I would need to perform a physical exam and review testing done so far. It will be important to continue to work with your local doctors to try and solve this problem. It sounds like you are doing many beneficial things to reduce your risk for cardiac events and stroke. Keep up the good work in this regard, working closely with your local doctors.

For more information:

Go to the Stroke health topic.