Urgent Advice Needed: Should My Mother Visit the Emergency Room or Wait for Her Specialist Appointment?
Hello, I find myself in a difficult situation and could really use some guidance. My mother, aged 57 and weighing 145 pounds, was admitted to our local ER on April 2 after I suspected she had a seizure. However, it turned out to be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), and doctors discovered she had two large unruptured aneurysms that were partially blocked. Following an intervention where they placed stents and coils, she was discharged a week later. Recently, I've observed troubling symptoms returning, including uncontrollable trembling in her hands, issues with memory, and her responses becoming limited to short phrases or delays when she speaks. Last week, I feared she might have had another TIA, but she became distressed and refused my help. Although I didn’t witness the episode directly, the aftermath resembled what I saw in April when I administered first aid: she appeared disoriented, struggled to walk steadily, and couldn’t recall her previous actions. She has been apprehensive about visiting the doctor since she has a follow-up appointment scheduled for this coming Tuesday. In preparation for that appointment, she underwent another MRI angiography yesterday, and I can access the results online. I’m at a loss as to whether I should take her back to the emergency department or wait for the specialist's visit next week, especially since her family physician is currently on holiday. It’s important to note that she has diabetes, is a smoker, and is taking various medications for high cholesterol, diabetes, and recently, to mitigate stroke risk. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I want to ensure she receives timely medical attention if necessary. I’m totally open to further questions to clarify her current condition. ### Medical Findings Summary - **History**: Presence of cerebral aneurysms. - **Procedure**: MRI imaging was conducted using various techniques, followed by 3D time-of-flight MR angiography and contrast-enhanced imaging. - **Findings**: Comparison made with previous CT scans from earlier this month. - **Aneurysm details**: Two significant aneurysms have been treated, showing remnants at their bases. The size of the thrombus within the aneurysms remains unchanged. - **Vascular assessment**: Minor neck remnants and some small enhancements indicating remaining aneurysm material. All major arteries appeared unaffected. - **Non-vascular aspects**: Swelling around one aneurysm has decreased; signs of past ischemic changes were observed. No serious abnormalities seen elsewhere in the brain. ### Conclusion It appears there are small remnants of the treated aneurysms, but the current signs of edema are less severe. There are indications of possible ischemic changes requiring further monitoring. Given this information, I am unsure of the urgency needed in handling her care right now. Thank you for any help you can provide. Best regards.
Answers (1)
7/24/2025, 2:10:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
Given the concerning symptoms your mother is experiencing, it's crucial to prioritize her health and immediate needs. Based on her recent history of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), along with the new symptoms of trembling hands, cognitive changes, and disorientation, I recommend that you take her to the emergency room rather than wait for her scheduled appointment next week.
Explanation
Your mother shows signs that may indicate a potential worsening of her condition, particularly given her history of aneurysms and TIAs. Changes in coordination, memory, and speech can suggest a new neurological issue that needs prompt evaluation. It’s important not to ignore these warning signs, especially since she has risk factors like diabetes and smoking, which can complicate her condition further.
Next Steps
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Visit the Emergency Room (ER): Take her immediately to the ER where she can be evaluated by specialists who can conduct necessary tests and determine if she is experiencing another TIA or any related complications.
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Document Symptoms: Before you go, write down her symptoms, including the timeline and any specific incidents you've observed. This information can help the medical team understand her condition better.
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Medical Records: If possible, bring her recent MRI results and any other relevant medical records to provide context for the ER team.
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Stay Supportive: Remain calm and reassuring throughout the process. Your presence will help her feel more secure as she navigates this distressing time.
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Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss any medications she is taking and her full medical history with the healthcare providers in the ER.
Taking her to the ER is the best course of action to ensure she receives the immediate care she may need. Please prioritize this and take care of both her and yourself.
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