By definition, a TIA shouldn't leave behind any lasting neurological deficits. In theory, recovery should be absolute.
However, I did come across a study looking into the link between TIA and memory impairment—specifically the kind of issues you’re describing. The takeaway there is that while the connection between a TIA and cognitive dysfunction isn't fully understood yet, some patients do experience lingering memory lapses afterward. The conclusion emphasizes that for these individuals, consistent and proper medical management is vital.
In short, it's possible that these struggles with memory and focus are tied to your previous TIA. But again, that's just a possibility; the literature on this specific connection is still somewhat thin.
I would suggest undergoing neuropsychological testing and staying in close contact with your neurologist for regular check-ups.
coastalraven34 said:I’m 17, almost 18, and about a month ago I ended up in the neuropediatrics ward at the Mayo Clinic. It all started on Monday afternoon, around 3:00 PM, when I suddenly started stuttering; it wasn't that I couldn't find the words, I just physically struggled to get them out. Along with that, I was dealing with intense dizziness, a dull headache, and general weakness. My GP sent me over to infectious diseases because they suspected meningitis. From there, I was shuffled off to the pediatric ER. They actually tried to send me home right then, telling me I was too old for their ward and should just come back the next day. They gave me 5 mg of Diazepam to calm things down. When I returned the following day, things hadn't improved, so despite my age, they kept me on the ward. An MRI of my brain and an MR angiography both came back normal. I also had two EEGs, which were also clear. However, blood work did reveal that I have thrombophilia. I made sure to mention to the doctors that I take Yasmin for some skin issues. Even though my neurological exam looks fine on paper, my short-term memory is shot, my concentration lasts maybe thirty minutes tops, and I still struggle with speech whenever I feel fatigued. Right now, I'm waiting on a psychologist's evaluation because I suspect this might be the aftermath of brain shock following a recent trauma. I'm wondering if actual cell damage in the brain is possible here, and if anyone else has dealt with similar memory issues?
Ma'am,
I only just noticed, after reading your post carefully today, that you included a diagnosis in the title that wasn't mentioned in the body of your message. Have you been diagnosed with TIA? Or has any specific diagnosis been given at all?
Nathan Baker said:I find myself pondering a rather unsettling question... if you've already been through the ringer with a TIA, what exactly serves as a warning sign that a full-blown stroke might be looming on the horizon? I mean, what's the telltale indicator? Because, if I’m being honest, at first glance, it feels as though there’s absolutely nothing one can do to stop it from happening.
Ma'am,
That's a very interesting question. It is a fact—as you noted—that individuals who have experienced a TIA carry an increased risk of a subsequent ischemic stroke. That is precisely why thorough diagnostic workups are essential. The reality is also that a stroke can often be prevented if we successfully identify and manage the risk factors that triggered the TIA in the first place. This might involve prescribing medications, sometimes anticoagulants, or even indicating surgical intervention, such as a carotid endarterectomy.
You need to overhaul your eating habits. Aim for more frequent, smaller meals—think four to six a day—rather than heavy hits. Cut out the canned goods, greasy fried stuff, grilled meats, and anything carbonated. Alcohol is strictly off the table. Focus on reducing overall fat intake; stick to plant-based oils like olive oil. Fill up on fresh or cooked fruits and vegetables along with whole grains. For protein, go with lean meats, poultry, low-fat dairy, or fish. These guidelines might shift later depending on the specific nature of the liver condition.
edit: Patrick Miller3, when you merged your last two posts, something went wrong and the message you sent to vividsailor7 vanished. I have no idea why it disappeared or where the glitch occurred. Please resubmit your reply to vividsailor7's post. My apologies to both you and vividsailor7 for the inconvenience. I'm genuinely sorry; I still can't figure out what happened, because even if I had accidentally hit "delete," I should be able to see and restore them through my moderator tools.
If your hemoglobin and erythrocyte levels have been steady like this for years, there’s likely no cause for alarm. However, if these results are "new"—meaning they used to be higher—then we would definitely need to investigate potential bleeding in the GI tract.
Since you mentioned these numbers haven't changed, they probably aren't the culprit behind the weakness you're feeling.
Did someone suggest testing for occult blood, or was that your own call to head to a private lab? (I ask because you mentioned concerns about bleeding and that you've already picked up the collection kits.)
When you experience this weakness, do you notice any other symptoms, such as sweating, hunger, or hand tremors?
What are your MCV levels? Have you had your ferritin checked yet?
It’s likely iron-deficiency anemia. If that's the case, hunting down the root cause—most commonly GI bleeding—is the right move.
Your cholesterol and triglyceride numbers are running a bit high. It would be wise to discuss this with your primary care physician regarding lifestyle adjustments, like diet and exercise.
Dear members, I have a request regarding discussions on alternative medicine for cardiomyopathy—specifically anything not recognized by mainstream medical institutions (including those "miracle cures" that supposedly defy everything modern doctors know). Please move those conversations over to the Alternative Medicine thread.
We’ve kept the post from goldenbison18 here since it references specific lab results and physician evaluations, but I am asking everyone to refrain from deep dives into unverified remedies or the individuals selling them within this particular thread.
What are your specific levels for ALT, AST, and GGT? You mentioned they fluctuate, but I need the actual numbers to get a clear picture. Also, what did the CDC imaging show?
And what about your bilirubin, albumin, blood glucose, lipid panel, ESR, and CRP? Have you looked into iron, ferritin, transferrin, copper, ceruloplasmin, or alpha-1 antitrypsin? Any other tests?
It might be more productive to post all this data over in the "Lab Results" thread.
I'm with melloworca6 on this. Between the CBC and your biochemistry, we can already pull some meaningful insights—specifically whether there's a deficiency in white blood cell counts or certain types of leukocytes, which might hint at an "underactive immune system." You can also get a clear picture from your erythrocyte count and hemoglobin levels, just as melloworca6 pointed out earlier.
Generally speaking, it’s perfectly normal for an adult to deal with up to five standard colds a year.
Real concern only arises if you start seeing infections triggered by "opportunistic" pathogens—the kind that signal true immunodeficiency. I'm talking about things like frequent bouts of shingles, or persistent oral thrush that refuses to budge with standard treatment.
As long as you're successfully managing your infections and aren't dealing with those "unusual" triggers, I don't think you have much to worry about.
That said, this is just my take. If you're feeling uneasy (and since we can't exactly perform a physical exam over a message board), I’d recommend sitting down with your primary care physician.
My thanks to copperraven53 for kicking off this thread and sharing her experience with us. 👍
Personally, I’ve never tested for HIV. It isn't out of fear, nor is it because I don't fall into a high-risk category—as a physician, I certainly do. There just hasn't been a reason yet; no needle sticks, nothing that would make testing necessary. But if the need arises, I won't hesitate to go.
Testing is essential whenever someone has been exposed to risk factors. In my view, the way the testing system is organized here in the States is quite effective, offering both anonymity and free services, just as my colleague described.
Living in constant doubt and uncertainty is far worse than simply getting tested and knowing the result. An HIV diagnosis shouldn't be treated as a taboo in this day and age.
Zachary Gomez, the blood work suggests some mild inflammation, likely viral in nature (CRP is normal, though leukocytes are slightly elevated with lymphocytosis in the peripheral smear).
Everything else looks fine, just like melloworca6 mentioned to you.
Regarding the causes of the condition you have been diagnosed with, we unfortunately still lack sufficient scientific certainty.
What is established, however, is that it can manifest as a reaction to an inflammatory focus within the body—think bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It seems logical to attempt to identify if such a focus exists. I hope you have been advised to undergo microbiological testing (such as swabs or stool samples), a dental checkup, a gynecological exam, and perhaps an H. pylori test, depending on your specific clinical indications.
If such a focus is identified through testing, treatment should be targeted specifically at the pathogen found.
Furthermore, other factors contribute to the onset of this condition. Skin dryness is one of them. Make sure your skin remains well-hydrated. Avoid long baths; stick to short showers using lukewarm water. You might consider applying olive oil or baby oil before showering, followed immediately by a hydrating cream once you are out.
Avoid synthetic fabrics and wool, and try to steer clear of sudden temperature shifts.
You are correct about stress; it can certainly act as a trigger for flare-ups.
Keep in mind that this is a chronic condition. This means that even after symptoms subside—which can sometimes take months—you may face a recurrence or worsening if the underlying cause isn't identified and managed.
Standard therapy typically involves topical corticosteroids, which you were prescribed (Elocom), and antihistamines (you were given Control). It is vital to complete the full course as directed by your dermatologist. Do not stop the treatment prematurely, for instance, due to concerns regarding corticosteroid use.
Perhaps you could provide some additional context—if it isn't too much trouble or overly sensitive, of course. A bit of background surrounding that acronym might give us enough to actually work with.
liver enzymes are fine (ALT/AST), as are triglycerides, cholesterol, and bilirubin
Hello,
Colleague copperraven53 gave you a brief summary of what these markers mean, so I’ll provide a broader perspective on the results as a whole.
First off, this specific constellation of markers doesn't allow for a definitive interpretation.
Essentially, these results could mean the individual successfully cleared a Hepatitis B infection but hasn't developed the protective antibodies (anti-HBs) yet. Alternatively, it might indicate an infection from much earlier that simply didn't trigger the usual immune response.
However, setting aside the "cleared infection" theory, these findings could also suggest the infection hasn't actually resolved—meaning the virus is still present and the person remains infectious. To avoid getting bogged down in technicalities, the HbsAg is the key indicator here. It’s possible the HbsAg is actually positive, but the test missed it because the levels are extremely low.
An HBV-DNA test (also via blood work) will be necessary to get a clearer picture of the situation.
Your inquiry slipped past us by accident. It’s an interesting question, though.
By strict logic, if there is no mention of a specific type of epithelial cell, the term should apply to all varieties. However, in casual conversation, when people discuss epithelial cells in urine, they are usually referring to squamous epithelium.
Generally speaking, finding epithelial cells in a urine sample rarely carries much diagnostic weight.
John Newman2 said:For years now, I've been dealing with this weird redness around my mouth and chin. Every single year, as soon as it starts getting chilly in the fall, my "autumn allergies" kick in. I haven't really figured out what's actually going on, but it shows up as these red, flaky patches... almost like eczema. I'm honestly at a loss for what to put on it or why it always happens this time of year.😕
John Newman2 said:For years now, I've been dealing with this weird redness around my mouth and chin. Every single year, as soon as it starts getting chilly in the fall, my "autumn allergies" kick in. I haven't really figured out what's actually going on, but it shows up as these red, flaky patches... almost like eczema. I'm honestly at a loss for what to put on it or why it always happens this time of year.😕
Well, wiredcanyon2 beat me to it. I was just about to mention that the description sounds like urticaria, possibly triggered by physical factors. I agree with everything said here. 👍
John Newman2 said:For years now, I've been dealing with this weird redness around my mouth and chin. Every single year, as soon as it starts getting chilly in the fall, my "autumn allergies" kick in. I haven't really figured out what's actually going on, but it shows up as these red, flaky patches... almost like eczema. I'm honestly at a loss for what to put on it or why it always happens this time of year.😕
Seborrheic dermatitis should be considered as well.
Frank Campbell3, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for a reply from the OP. This thread was started over five years ago, and they haven't been active on the forums in four.
If you have questions regarding tonsils or similar issues, feel free to post them here. That's the dedicated thread specifically for discussing tonsil-related problems.
Chloe Hughes2, I might have misread your situation. I assumed you were seeing an ophthalmologist for routine checkups—since you wear glasses—and that they were already aware of these blood vessel issues but just hadn't flagged them yet.
It’s likely just a cosmetic concern, but I’d still suggest getting it looked at by a specialist. We can't offer certainties through a forum.
If things look better after just one day, the cream is clearly doing its job. Stick to the instructions and you'll see if the trend continues. Fingers crossed things take a turn for the better. 👍
Your doctors—ophthalmologists, I assume—likely haven't suggested anything because they view this as a purely cosmetic issue. If it’s truly bothering you, you might want to check in with your specialist (you mentioned prisms, so I'm guessing they were prescribed for some kind of heterophoria?). You could discuss whether surgical options are even on the table, though I suspect they won't be your first recommendation.