Hi all, I would welcome any advice or experiences from others in this forum please. In January I experienced a loss of vision in my right eye for a couple of minutes, no pain, no other symptoms. This happened twice more about 1.5 weeks later for the second and maybe another 2 weeks later for the third. I went to the opticians initially and was referred to the hospital and then to the TIA clinic from there. I am 50, not overweight, have low blood pressure so I was understandably pretty surprised. All test results have come back normal, heart scans, carotid artery ultrasound and two CT scans. I was put on aspirin and clopidogrel (which I’m still taking). Unfortunately I have continued to have 3 more episodes, still for my right eye only, not complete loss of vision the last three times, but extremely blurry, the last one lasted the longest so far, about 4-4:30 minutes. I’ve also been experiencing some tingling in my right hand fingers, and I think slight numbness in my right foot, but this was only 1 day. The consultant has now referred me to a neurologist as he said I shouldn’t still be experiencing TIAs if I’m taking the blood thinners. This week I have been absolutely shattered, so tired. I am marathon training, but it doesn’t feel the same as training tiredness if that makes sense.
My questions are, has anybody else experienced just eye symptoms, nothing else?
Could it be that something else has happened in the night time that I’ve not realised as I’m so exhausted/ tired this week? Is that a symptom of TIA? If anyone has had just eye issues, are they painless?
I was so sceptical when they said TIA, but after the tingling, I’m more concerned about the possibility, but I’m still feeling disbelief if I’m honest and looking for answers but feeling like I’m not getting anywhere fast!
Hello @Claire26 - This is just a quick note to welcome you to the community and forum which I hope you will find useful and get answers to your questions.
I don’t have anything to offer as I haven’t experienced any of this personally.
I am sorry you have had cause to join this community and hope things will get sorted once you have seen the neurologist.
Hello Claire.
Sorry you’ve found the need to visit this forum.
From what you’re saying, it sounds like something is definitely amiss in your body and a neurologist is probably the way to go.
Without wanting to alarm you, my understanding is that unusual/new tiredness or exhaustion can be a precursor to stroke. However, you’ve had the tests, you’re taking preventative meds so I don’t know what else could be done.
I really hope the neurology appointment comes through quickly; living with this kind of uncertainty must be pretty anxiety provoking.
Hopefully, others will be along soon to offer something constructive. Thinking of you.
@Claire26 hi & welcome to the community. Sorry to hear of the symptoms you are currently experiencing. It is possible youve had TIAs and it would be usual for blood thinners to help reduce the risk of morebut there’s never a 100% guarantee.
I know people can get eye strokes. Has anyone mentioned this to you? My stroke affected my vision but i had other affects too.
I also had a TIA and the lingering symptom I had from that was fatigue.
It sounds like there is definitely something Neurological going on & it is good that you have been referred to one. I hope you don’t have too long to wait.
Another condition that can mimic a stroke is Functional Neurological Disorder. The Stroke Association have a leaflet on that which I have linked in below.
Hi @Claire26 and welcome to the forum. My husband had an eye stroke a few years ago, which left him with double vision. They were painless, it thankfully did resolve itself with eye excercises. I myself had a stroke in December that was only picked up on an MRI scan. You don’t mention having had an MRI, maybe you should ask for an MRI. My symptoms were numbness and tingling in my right hand, foot and face. Before that I was having TIA’s that only last short periods like yourself, then would go off. I’d been to see a GP and they said it was more a nerve problem. Just recently I’ve been back to see same GP and she said that my symptoms at the time were not typical of a stroke, and therefore not as easy to diagnose. It effected the thalamus which is deep in the brain and can only be picked up on MRI. It effects sensation and can effect eyes too. So it was understandable that it had been missed initially for myself. It certainly made me tired after the TIA’s too. My GP did say that if a patient is concerned they are having a stroke or TIA then medical professionals have a duty to investigate it thoroughly. Hope you are able to find answers to your symptoms soon.
Thank you Trace, I really appreciate your response. Yes, you are right, the uncertainty is really making me anxious. I feel like I’m in constant alert waiting for the next one.
Thank you for your response Ann, I’m so sorry you’ve experienced both Tias and a stroke. If not heard of eye strokes and have now read a bit about them, they do sound like a possibility. Thank you also for the link you posted, that’s really helpful. Hopefully I’ll get some answers when I see the neurologist in a few weeks
Thank you Anne, I’m so sorry to hear about you and your husband both experiencing strokes. In answer to your question, I have been referred for an MRI, but not had it yet, so maybe that may give me some answers as yours did. I have seen on this forum that lots of people don’t have any results from a CT or an MRI which leaves you not knowing, that’s so hard I think.
Can I just ask one more question about the tingling in your hand? Did that happen just whilst you were experiencing the TIA/stroke, or was it present at other times. The tingling I have is not there consistently and hasn’t been there when I have experienced the eye symptoms, it seems to be on and off over a few days.
Hi Claire. After i had the TIAs all symptoms including tingling went away, though on one particular day i had several tingling episodes that came and went for short periods. As i said my gp just thought it was nerve issue from my neck causing it. Once i had the stroke however the tingling remained. It is a lot better now but its over 4 months since my stroke. On days when im fatigued i notice it a little more but once ive rested it eases again. For myself now its whats known as post stroke pain.
No two people are the same unfortunately with symptoms. Its good you are getting an MRI, hopefully it will give you answers you need.
All the best
Anne
Thank you Anne, that’s interesting to know. I wish you well with your continued recovery. Thank you for taking the time to respond to me, I really appreciate it.
Hi Claire, as Anne mentioned CT scans don’t always show up a stroke and an MRI is more likely too. I see you have been referred for one so that so might provide some answers for you.
Hello Claire26, and best wishes for everything …just looking at some of the replies, I would add that maybe more expert advice needed? Mention is made of ‘eye stroke’, which may be possible, but also there is ‘orthoptic’ stroke, which affects vision, but is not an eye stroke. That is different. My wife had an orthoptic stroke in Oct 23, which affected her vision, and memory. However she had a severe haemmorhage in the next February, so long term effects of the orthoptic stroke are difficult to ascertain. Everybody is so unique, so do ask for further clarification from a consultant if possible. Good Luck!
Thank you. I’ve not heard of that one either, so useful to know. How do they diagnose that particular type? From all that I’ve read, it seems to be so difficult to find definitive proof of TIAS? Is this seen in an MRI?
Welcome to the Online Community. We’re sorry to hear about the challenges you’re experiencing. I hope you’re able to get some answers when you see the Neurologist.
I can see the community has already rallied round to welcome you and offer their support.
Please also remember that we have a dedicated Stroke Helpline team, they not only provide information and practical support, they can also talk through how you’re feeling to help reduce some of your anxieties. You can call them on 0303 3033 100 or visit their webpage here.
Please reach out if you have any questions about the above or if you need help with the Online Community. You can tag the Community Coordinator @Anna_moderator into your post or you can contact us directly through the service desk.
