Brief Answer: Consult your Neurologist at the earliest Detailed Answer: HiXXXX Thanks for posting your query on this forum. I wish you had mentioned the date on which the problems took place; whether the symptoms improved/disappeared within a few hours or, are still persisting; and, the present/latest status of your symptoms. The cause of your abrupt onset of symptoms, will be manifest, based on the above-mentioned information. Pending receipt of further details, I wish to enlighten you with certain facts:- 1. Narrowing (due to atherosclerosis) of brain arteries occur BEFORE coronary artery disease. Hence, it is a safe conclusion that the brain arteries (including the main artery- called Internal Carotid Arteries- in the neck) are already narrowed. 2. High cholesterol promotes accelerated deposition (called atherosclerotic plaques) of cholesterol in the arteries and thereby, causing their narrowing. Frequently, pieces from these plaques dislodge, flow with the blood stream and obstruct distal arteries in the brain - causing stroke (called thromboembolic stroke). If the pieces are too small to cause complete obstruction, a transient stroke is caused (which improves within 24 hours (called Transient Ischemic Attack or TIA). 3. Hypertension is a potent risk factor for thromboembolic strokes. In your case, given the several risk factors (hypertension, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease and, history of a nerve bleed), you have apparently had thromboembolic stroke (either due to a piece of atherosclerotic plaque, a dislodged blood clot from the heart) OR a minor bleed in the brainstem- upper part of spinal cord- causing the abrupt symptoms. The symptoms are suggestive of Ponto-Medullary Syndrome. If the symptoms have already disappeared, it was apparently TIA. On the other hand, if the symptoms are persisting, it was a stroke. IT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY, but taken as a warning sign of an impending stroke any time in future. The diagnosis can be confirmed by MRI of the brain or, Angio-MRI if required. You should therefore consult your Neurologist AT THE EARLIEST and apprise him of my opinion. I am certain that he will agree with me; order required tests, and- based on the reports- will arrive at a certain diagnosis and prescribe/modify suitable treatment as advised. Hope I have addressed your concerns to your complete satisfaction and you find my response helpful and informative. I will be happy to answer further queries, if any. Fond regards and have a nice day, Col (Dr.) Rakesh Karanwal

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