Experiencing a PFO: Was This a TIA?
Hello everyone! I’ve been grappling with many thoughts since a rather distressing experience, and I’m hoping to find some clarity. I am a 46-year-old female, and I recently took a road trip with my boyfriend from Oregon to Idaho. Prior to hitting the road, I consumed a marijuana edible. Having utilized marijuana for more than two decades, I generally have a high tolerance, meaning edibles rarely have a substantial effect on me. I’m well aware that cannabis tends to elevate my heart rate, a fact I monitor with my Apple Watch, which alerts me when my heart rate spikes during inactivity. The days of feeling overwhelmingly high or greened out are well behind me. During our journey, after taking the edible, I felt quite fine, convinced the experience had been a waste of money. I was engaged in an ordinary chat with my boyfriend, who was driving, when an excruciating pain suddenly gripped my chest, right beneath my breasts—around the area where my bra band rests. Initially, I thought my bra was simply too tight. However, I soon lost control over my limbs, both arms and both legs, and my mental clarity took a dive. I struggled to articulate my thoughts as if my body was shutting down, similar to a malfunctioning computer. Every attempt to move resulted in involuntary shaking throughout my body. Panic washed over me! My boyfriend urged me to make a fist, but that simple task proved incredibly challenging. Initially, I suspected I was having a panic attack, but quickly realized that something more serious was at play. I struggled to breathe and felt an overwhelming urge to urinate. It honestly felt as though I was on the brink of death. Eventually, we made our way to an emergency room, where I was dismissed as merely being under the influence. The staff laughed at my situation, treating it as a joke. After sedating me for several hours, they sent me home. I was devastated because what I experienced was unlike anything I had faced before. Several days later, while at home for lunch, I went outside to let the dogs out. Nothing out of the ordinary occurred until, while navigating to the back door, my left leg unexpectedly failed me for a moment. This felt eerily similar to that distressing ride, but thankfully, the episode was fleeting. It’s worth noting that I hadn’t used any weed since that car trip, which only magnified my confusion about this occurrence. Terrified, I reached out to my mother, and we decided to visit another hospital. They conducted a battery of tests, concluding with an EKG that included a bubble study to check for blood bubbles moving between the sides of my heart. After reviewing my results, my doctor diagnosed me with a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Now I can’t help but wonder if the experience I had was related to the PFO. If it was indeed a transient ischemic attack (TIA), what kind could it have been? My understanding is that a TIA typically affects one side of the body, rather than the entire body. Prior to this incident, I suffered from a migraine for two weeks, which I had only just regained control of two days before everything unfolded. Additionally, I frequently experience ocular migraines and severe headaches tied to high blood pressure. I’m reaching out in hopes of piecing together this puzzle. Your insights would mean a lot to me as I navigate this confusion.
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 7:40:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve had a very frightening experience, and it’s understandable to seek clarity about what happened. The symptoms you described could potentially indicate serious health issues, including the possibility of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or something related to your diagnosed patent foramen ovale (PFO). Here’s a structured response to your situation:
Main Points:
- Your symptoms, including chest pain, loss of control over your limbs, and mental confusion, are concerning.
- A PFO can sometimes lead to complications that may affect brain function and contribute to TIA-like symptoms.
- Ocular migraines and hypertension could also be factors in your overall health picture.
Explanation:
A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a hole in the heart that didn’t close after birth. While many people with a PFO do not experience issues, it has been associated with an increased risk of paradoxical embolism, which can lead to neurological symptoms like those you experienced. TIAs are often characterized by transient symptoms suggesting a temporary loss of blood flow to the brain and can resemble what you described. Your experience with leg weakness and mental clarity issues raises concerns that should be explored further.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Detailed Symptom Journal: Document when you experience any symptoms—note their duration, severity, and any possible triggers. This will be useful for any healthcare provider you consult.
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Follow-Up with a Specialist: If you haven't already, consider visiting a neurologist or cardiologist who specializes in PFOs and TIAs. They may suggest further imaging studies, such as echocardiography or brain scans, to get a clearer picture of what's happening.
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Monitor Blood Pressure and Headaches: Since you mentioned high blood pressure and migraines, keeping a log of your blood pressure readings and headache occurrences can help your doctor assess changes and adjust treatment as necessary.
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Review Lifestyle Factors: If applicable, consider discussing lifestyle habits, such as stress management techniques, dietary choices, and physical activity, as they are all important in managing high blood pressure and overall health.
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Research & Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with PFOs, TIAs, and migraine symptoms, which could empower you to discuss your condition more effectively with healthcare providers.
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Understand When to Seek Immediate Care: Given your history, know the warning signs of a stroke or TIA, which include sudden weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking, or severe headache, and seek emergency help if these occur.
Your health and peace of mind are priority concerns, so be proactive about your follow-ups and advocate for your needs as you navigate this complex situation. Stay connected with supportive family and friends during this time, and take things one step at a time.
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