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What Causes Extreme Tiredness When Diagnosed With TIA?
Question: I have recently had a TIA diagnosed by a CAT scan. Is it normal to be extremely tired so that I can't get much done? I am 82 years and normally very active. I do not have any paralyis or speech or swallowing problems but have little control of my waterworks. Can this be a symptom? Thank you. XXXX
Brief Answer:
There are other more likely causes.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Technically a TIA is a transitory event (TIA stands transient ischemic attack) so there shouldn't be any left consequences. It is not uncommon though for some damage to have happened there, damage which may not be detected by CT (but seen on MRI) because it is small, in certain posterior brain areas, or when the CT is done in the first few hours.
That being said it is uncommon for urinary incontinence and tiredness to be an isolated phenomena, usually when the brain is involved there are other manifestations, like gait abnormality, incoordination, cognitive function impairment as well paralysis and speech issues that you mention. So I do not think that to be the likeliest cause.
Potential causes can be many, the simplest one can be a urinary infection, which can cause both tiredness and incontinence issue, common in females, often with few other manifestations especially in the elderly.
So an urinalysis (bacteriuria, pyuria, hematuria, glycosuria and proteinuria), kidney function tests, are basic tests to be done in your setting as well as blood count, blood glucose level, thyroid function, electrolytes, vitamin B12 and D.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
There are other more likely causes.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Technically a TIA is a transitory event (TIA stands transient ischemic attack) so there shouldn't be any left consequences. It is not uncommon though for some damage to have happened there, damage which may not be detected by CT (but seen on MRI) because it is small, in certain posterior brain areas, or when the CT is done in the first few hours.
That being said it is uncommon for urinary incontinence and tiredness to be an isolated phenomena, usually when the brain is involved there are other manifestations, like gait abnormality, incoordination, cognitive function impairment as well paralysis and speech issues that you mention. So I do not think that to be the likeliest cause.
Potential causes can be many, the simplest one can be a urinary infection, which can cause both tiredness and incontinence issue, common in females, often with few other manifestations especially in the elderly.
So an urinalysis (bacteriuria, pyuria, hematuria, glycosuria and proteinuria), kidney function tests, are basic tests to be done in your setting as well as blood count, blood glucose level, thyroid function, electrolytes, vitamin B12 and D.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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