Diving after a TIA (Transient ischaemic attack) ?

[colinicky]

So having suffered a TIA (mini stroke) just over 2 weeks ago I wonder if anyone else has suffered one & returned to diving after ?
What was involved time scale wise etc ?
Obviously I realise a full dive medical would be a darned good starting point !

TIA
Colin

[techdiver]

Consult with your cardiologist, and DDRC.Best of luck.

[Tim Digger]

Not cardiologist, Stroke specialist. Though cardiology may be involved for echocardiogram to exclude PFO or ASD which can both produce this problem and a prolonged ECG tape or implant to exclude Atrial Fibrillation. On the NHS this will probably occupy the first 6 months lay off. You should probably now be on a Statin and an antiplatlet drug (asprin or clopidogrel the latter is marginally better in long term studies) and have any high blood pressure controlled. If not complain to GP and hospital! I assume you have had an MRI scan to exclude any cerebral bleed and confirm no acute changes seen IE a small stroke. And also assume you have no residual impairment of power coordination or balance.
Now it gets personal I had a TIA and took asprin and BP control and dived for another 18 months had another small stroke confirmed on MRI scan with no deficit and was advised by my colleagues stroke doctor and Dive specialist whose views I respected that I should stop diving.
PM me with any questions.

[colinicky]

Hi Tim
I used to take Simvastatin but had side effects after a few years so was switched to ezetemibe. Also beem on lacidipine for years for high blood pressure. I had massive pain right shoulder up neck into right eye so went to go , then Specsavers who did urgent referral for a blocked vein in back of right eye . Never made it to the referral as had TIA following evening. Had CT scan all clear . Had ultrasound on neck arteries etc all clear waiting for heart scans . So far concensus is that block vein in eye caused tia but this is only from people doing the tests not a consultant so will have to wait & see . I had already started taking some serious measures to improve my health & have managed to lose 7kg in 2 months so hopefully thing will help.

[wibble32]

. I had already started taking some serious measures to improve my health & have managed to lose 7kg in 2 months so hopefully thing will help.

Sounds like you have made a good start.

Post my wife's stroke and following TIA the consultant issued her diet sheet to reduce likelihood of it recurring. In essence it was; no processed meats, ham / sausgaes / bacon / italian meats, no hard cheeses etc. Move to eat foods that clean cholesterol from the blood such as porridge & increase vegetable / fibrous intake, have regular meals. Dramatic weight loss has ensued. Check ups have all shown the things they watch for are under control, though she now finds meals lack a lot of interest.
Good luck.
Rgds