TIA and Ataxia: Hi, Last week, on a hot day, I had... - Ataxia UK

Ataxia UK

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TIA and Ataxia

margaretm profile image
12 Replies

Hi,

Last week, on a hot day, I had a period of disassociation/ confusion whilst in a local cafe with a friend. An ambulance was called, I was taken to hospital and, the next day given an ECG, a CAT scan to the head and an ultrasound of my neck veins. No lasting damage was found, although I am to have other tests. The consultant said that the episode was most likely a TIA, sometimes called a mini stroke. The NHS was wonderful and I feel fine, although tired.

I would like to know if any fellow Ataxians have had a similar experience and would be grateful for any tips.

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margaretm
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12 Replies

Hello😊 That must have been so scary and confusing for you, I am so sorry that happened to you 😨 I find that extreme variations in temperature affect me for the worse. After a life time of enjoying the heat, now I basically fear it. I put on all the fans, open all windows, wear only cotton clothes, have a bottle of very cold water with me at all times, if I have to go out I wear open toed sandals, stay in the shade, wear lots of sunscreen and a hat. Basically if you can't avoid the heat ~ protect yourself from it ☺ Pick air conditioned coffe shops in the heat and sit directly under the vent. Ataxia related or not, people diagnosed with MS really struggle with extreme temperature fluctuations 😩 hope this helped somewhat 💜

neta profile image
neta in reply to

what you say , regarding temperature, is interesting.

in reply to neta

Hi! I didn't really explain myself with the MS comparison 😓Here in oz the heat can be brutal at times, MS is a common diagnosis ~ some people are diagnosed MS with Ataxia. There is lots of scientific evidence of temperature fluctuations really affecting people with MS, so why not us?? (Ataxia )

neta profile image
neta in reply to

Right. I recall my first neuro old me to join an MS group when I told her that I couldnt find a CA group. (I dont have MS) She was quite smart and I still see her periodically. What is Oz? N

in reply to neta

Sorry, sorry Neta ~ Oz is Australia ~ I try really hard not to "slip into our colloquism" but I often fail ~ sorry 😔 I did notice some brilliant "tips" for handling the cold on this site ~ we don't get much information on the rest of the world but we did get news about the heatwave in UK last year 😲 Your neuro was pretty smart ~ Ataxia is becoming a diagnosis more often, but it's still rare, so refering you to join a group like what you have (but not the same ) was caring of your nuero ~ we've all got a way of "helping" each other ~ the more people talking/chatting the more we can learn ☺

neta profile image
neta in reply to

No prob. Funny part: As I got your email an Aussie PT man arrived. I asked him if he knew about Oz, he seemed to say, no. But then he said, "oh, Australians are called Ozzies, now I get it ". Anyway he's a big believer in retraining the brain, moving around, etc., something the neuro waves his nose at. The neuro is a strict 2016 science man; he believes in pills, shots and IV's. The PT has a broader belief system; but says everything he believes in is scientifically backed up. Confusing, no?

angelite profile image
angelite in reply to

Hi Joolz,

I put a post up on Headway, regarding heat exacerbation of symptoms. I am suspected MS but found that others with brain injuries/ other neurological diseases can also be affected. Basically, heat can affect signals, making our nerve communication worse, amongst other reasons.

brainandspine.org.uk/heat-s...

Angela x

in reply to angelite

Hey! Read the link ~ pretty good info! I'll find your post on Headway ~ I just already feel it will be good 😊 Heat is such a massive "cruel event" with such massive consequences but I also think the cold really hurts people too 😩 I reaearch on myself, so for everyone else its 30 I need a cardigan ~ thermometer registers me at 20 ~ I could go on and on but I won't, have worked out I'm 10 hotter or colder than everyone else 😣 talk to you soon 💖 Julie

margaretm profile image
margaretm in reply to

Very helpful. Thanks.

neta profile image
neta

Dear MM,

Wow what an unfunny experience! My uncle had TIA but there was no talk of CA maybe this was hidden from us I am now thinking. He was quite old when this happened and he spent his remaining years in a nursing home quite out of it. I think TIA can be a disease itself. Maybe you were merely dehydrated or anxious. Whatever it was, may it never happen again!! L,N

xray25 profile image
xray25

Hi i had a major stroke 4 yrs ago to the balance part of the brain stem that has brought ataxia on

berejena profile image
berejena

All thr comments about heat are very interesting. I live in Spain & it'svery hot at the moment. Many of my symptoms that I thought were just me nowmake sense thanks. This site is really helpful, explaining things. Everyone try to be positive, heat or no heat.

Blessings to everyone

Berejena xxx

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