Could My Mother Have Suffered a TIA, or Am I Overreacting?
Greetings, I’m seeking guidance regarding my mother. She is 45 years old, stands 160 cm tall, and weighs 60 kg. Recently, while we were in the kitchen together sharing a meal, things took an unusual turn. After finishing our food, as I was about to head to my room, she unexpectedly positioned herself right in front of me. During that moment, she appeared to be staring into space, immobile, and spoke in a strangely mechanical manner. Her facial expressions were almost non-existent, despite the fact that she has never undergone procedures like Botox. We were able to communicate, albeit with her expressing feelings of weakness and mentioning difficulty in moving her eye. Observing closely, I noticed that her eye remained motionless, and she didn’t blink for the entire time I focused on it. Attempting to assist her to a chair so she could sit down proved challenging; she felt unresponsive, almost like handling a stiff object. While her body wasn’t rigid, there was a distinct lack of movement. Her legs remained fixed in place, showing no sign of activity. Approximately a minute elapsed, which felt like an eternity, before she returned to her usual state. She took a seat and reassured me that she was alright. For a brief moment, her face flushed red; it seemed as though she might have been downplaying her condition despite feeling some panic inside. Eventually, she regained full mobility, her facial expressions returned to normal, and everything appeared to be fine. The concern arises from the fact that since receiving her COVID vaccination (our entire family is vaccinated), she and the family have largely lost faith in medical services. Despite my warnings that this could signify a transient ischemic attack (TIA) and potentially indicate an impending stroke, they remain adamant about not seeking medical help. I am determined to take her to a general practitioner on Monday, but as it is now Saturday at 5 PM here in Germany, I’m unsure how to proceed in the meantime. Would it be advisable to administer aspirin (400 mg) to her orally? I am feeling quite anxious about not taking any action at all.
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 4:50:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about your mother's recent episode, and you're right to be attentive to her situation. The symptoms you described, including the sudden lack of responsiveness and altered speech, could suggest a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke. While you are rightly concerned, self-medicating with aspirin without professional guidance may not be the safest option.
Explanation
A TIA occurs when there is temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to sudden neurological symptoms. These can last for a few minutes to hours and often resolve, but they are serious warning signs of a potential stroke. The event your mother experienced could be related to several factors, including neurological issues or other medical conditions.
Next Steps
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Immediate Monitoring: Keep observing your mother for any recurring symptoms or changes. Document any unusual occurrences, like weakness, speech difficulties, or changes in vision. This information will be helpful for her doctor.
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Avoid Aspirin Administration: Do not give her aspirin or any medication without consulting a healthcare professional first. Aspirin is not recommended for immediate treatment without a confirmed diagnosis, as it can interact with other conditions or medications she may have.
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Prepare for the Doctor’s Visit: On Monday, ensure that you describe the episode in detail to the general practitioner. Note the duration, symptoms, and any other relevant health history. This may help with accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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Stay Calm and Supportive: Try to reassure your mother about seeking medical help. It's normal for people to feel anxious about medical services, but this incident emphasizes the need for a check-up.
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Emergency Signs: If she exhibits any severe symptoms such as persistent weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, severe headache, or loss of consciousness before the appointment, do not hesitate to seek emergency medical help.
Your proactive approach in planning to see a doctor is commendable. Keeping lines of communication open with your mother regarding her health will also help ease her concerns. If you need further guidance or have more specific questions, feel free to reach out.
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