The Recurring Episodes

With some frequency, but at random, I have what I refer to as 'episodes' for lack of a better term.  Until my most recent trip to the ER, both my GP (General Practitioner) and neurologist referred to these as TIAs, now my neurologist is not sure what they are.


My first experience began in January 2010, when a call to 911 was prompted to take me to the hospital.  While sitting at the desk quietly I was overcome by a major episode that left me with very blurred speech, paralysis in my left side and a numbness in my face and mouth.  The paramedics told me it was probably a TIA.  Upon delivery to the ER, the attending neurologist also indicated I probably had a TIA and I was admitted for additional observation and testing.  This episode to be continued later.

 There are generally what I call three levels of these episodes:

1.  Major as described above.
2.  Medium - ringing or pressure change in ears (usually left but occasionally right) with loss of coordination in limbs and inability to walk or speak clearly.  An overall warm feeling.
3.  Mild - ringing or pressure change in ear (left or right) with inability to walk.

All three episodes leave me tired.  None of this occurred before the stroke.  Any one of three are apt to come on at any time for no rhyme or reason and do not appear to be related to any particular behavior patterns (eating, activity, sleeping, etc.).  The doctors, both GP and neurologist state that TIAs should be controlled by medication for Blood Sugar, High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol.  Though all levels appear to be within limits the episodes still continue. 

 All episodes are of short duration, thirty minutes or less but can and do occur multiple times a day.