"A Transient Ischemic Attack (spelled ischaemic in British English) (abbreviated as TIA, often colloquially referred to as 'mini stroke') is a change in the blood supply to a particular area of the brain, resulting in brief neurologic dysfunction that persists, by definition, for less than 24 hours. If symptoms persist longer, then it is categorized as a stroke.Less that 24 hours right now, and I'm trying to line up a MRA which through my insurance company, Aetna, requires "prior physician authorization" or I pay for it and then argue with them later.
A cerebral infarct that lasts longer than 24 hours, but less than 72 hours is termed a reversible ischemic neurologic deficit or RIND." (Wikipedia)
"Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a group of techniques based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to image blood vessels. Magnetic Resonance Angiography is used to generate images of the arteries in order to evaluate them for stenosis (abnormal narrowing), occlusion or aneurysms (vessel wall dilatations, at risk of rupture). MRA is often used to evaluate the arteries of the neck and brain, the thoracic and abdominal aorta, the renal arteries, and the legs (called a 'run-off')."I'm 55 and I have had some odd sensations and symptoms in the past week. Last night around 11pm they got a little weirder and I dithered back and forth about going into the ER until the numbness I was experiencing started to show up in several places at once, all on my left site.
Pants on.
Pants off.
Mutter, mutter.
Dither, dither.
Then I had marginal numbness on the left side of my leg and into my toes, down the outside of my left arm, and in the middle of my cheek into my lips. Not entire numbness mind you, a sort of numbing, as if I had been shot with Novocaine and it was wearing off.
Maybe I pinched a nerve in my neck.
Maybe not. The Doctor on duty assured me I had done the right thing. As a perpetual cynic with regard to all things Doctors tell me "I should have done" that involve my insurance paying, I'm still leaning "Maybe not," but we'll see.
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8 comments:
Hugh, please keep us updated. Whatever would we do without your posts.
I comment little anywhere, though your site is the first I visit with my morning coffee and mid-afternoon/evening.
Here is hoping for nothing more then a pinched nerve.
Regards;
I appreciate your patronage Carol :) This morning was spent calling Dr.'s here in Vermont, and in Montana, gathering my records together and arguing (pleasantly) with the people who have the MRI machine here in Montpelier.
They thought Aetna required prior physician authorization for MRA's, but they don't. By that time I had my Dr.'s permission anyway and it was probably a good idea to get all my records moved to the cardiologist I have here.
So, 10am Wednesday, I get to see one of the 400 wonders of the medical profession these days, the MRI machine. Then I guess I get to see my brain.
also consider a cardiac echo.
interesting blog
Hugh, I hope that by the time you read this you're doing better. You're certainly in my prayers.
Wow, I know this is a little late but when you have any type of strokes symptoms, go to a Stroke hospital.
Call before you go to make sure the hospital is a stroke center - not all are (in fact it's a good idea to know the ones in your area). It will make a world of difference.
Thee earlier you get treatment, the better you will be. This is one of those times when money should be no object. It's considered an emergency so they have to treat
Praying for you, Hugh.
Yes, I hope you are ok.
You have a great blog.
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