PFO closure in the UK

TIAs do not show brain changes on CT or MRI scans according to my neurologist.   (Most strokes do show changes on such tests.) Because symptoms and signs may have completely disappeared by the time one gets to the hospital, a diagnosis of a TIA may be made on a person's medical history alone. I had every test available including 2 TEE's and no PFO was found so that was not the cause of my TIA. 

I suspect you are feeling a bit depressed re the dx and procedure which would be normal as anytime we find out we have a problems re our health we tend to worry and then all the scary thoughts pop up. 

Learning that you have  a patent foramen ovale can be frightening. While your doctor can provide you with medical advice and information about the disorder, you may find it helpful to talk to other people who've been in the same situation. I would ask your Dr. if there are any Heart Support Groups in your area that you may be able to join to help you with the anxiety and ? depression tat are bothering you.  It helps to talk to others directly who have had the procedure.

Coming here was a good thing as you read through the forum you see that many others have been through what you are facing.'

Take care and stick with us.

Kindly,

Kitt

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is like a stroke, producing similar symptoms, but usually lasting only a few minutes and causing no permanent damage. Often called a ministroke, a transient ischemic attack may be a warning. about one in three people who have a transient ischemic attack eventually has a stroke, with about half occurring within a year after the transient ischemic attack.

A transient ischemic attack can serve as both a warning and an opportunity — a warning of an impending stroke and an opportunity to take steps to prevent it.

Because a transient ischemic attack is short-lived, your doctor may diagnose a TIA based just on the medical history of the event rather than on anything found during a general physical and neurological examination. To help determine the cause of your TIA and to assess your risk of stroke, your doctor may rely on the following:

Computerized tomography (CT) scanning.

Computerized tomography angiography (CTA) scanning.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Arteriography.

As TIAs can be of very short duration your fainting spell may have masked your symptoms.

I had the CT, MRI, MRA of brain and carotids, TEE and many blood studies.

You say yu ar4 prone to fainting spell, can you share when it is your likely to faint ?

Kindly,

Kitt