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Suggest Treatment For Sudden Onset Of Blurred Vision, Balance Issues And Numbness In Face

Posted on Thu, 27 Aug 2015

Question: I am a 48 year old male that had experienced severe eye blurriness, balance and slight numbness on the left side of my face. After seeing my eye doctors they seem to think I had a TIA. My Primary doctor also thinks the same diagnoses. , so he sent me to the ER asap for MRI and Catscans. These test were finally performed about 65 hours after the event and my left eye vision improved from 20/80 to 20/40.
My MRI reports the following: Periventricular Leukomalacia and scattered punctate areas of white matter signal hyperintensity on T2-weighted and FLAIR image in the Pervenricular and subcortical white matter of the bilateralfrontal lobes are noted. it also notes slight mucosal inflammation is noted along the inferior aspect of right maxillary antrum as well as along the posterior right ethmoid air cells.
Associated with chronic small vessel disease.
My question is what does this all mean in my case as I see this condition is mostly in infants and children.

Thank you,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Sudden onset visual complains , balance problem and numbness over face may be a presentation of posterior circulation transient ischemic attack or stroke.
Absence of MRI findings in brainstem and occipital cortex suggest possibility of TIA.
You must be evaluated for stroke risk like blood sugar, lipid profile, anemia, thyroid profile, cardiac status, atherosclerosis.
You should stop smoking or drinking if taking till now.
MRI features are suggestive of small vessels changes leading to MRI findings. It is not specific for any diagnosis yet.
Risk of stroke is high in following few months in presence of history of TIA.
Consult a neurologist.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Thank you Dr. XXXXXXX I am a high risk candidate for stroke as I have PVD/Cardiovascular disease, psoaractic Rhuematory Arthritis, PTSD, Atherosclerosis, osterclerosis and HIV positive for 31 years. I look great but the long term effects of the HIV drugs are clearly coming to the surface but I will continue my treatments.
Your opinion does mimic my primaries opinion and I appreciate your time.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Its painful to know that you are suffering from so many diseases .
It's good that you are living with good spirit and courage.
Be in regular touch with your doctor.
Consult a neurologist for evaluation regarding need of aspirin prophylaxis for stroke.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D