Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Neurology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
My father is 63 years old. He suffered from a mild stroke yesterday and we would like to seek the second opinion on the proper treatment for his case. He was given Catapres to lower his blood pressure and was asked to continue taking his maintenance medicines for hypertension (Losartan). His latest BP taken just a while ago is 140/80 mmHg. We would also like to ask for guidance whether this warrants a trip to the ER. Since the hospitals are now full of confirmed and suspected COVID patients, we are concerned that going to the hospital may be more detrimental to his health. Please help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that his blood pressure values are normal. I would like to know his symptoms. Did he perform a brain CT scan? As he suffers from diabetes, the most probable cause would be an ischemic stroke (blood clot). For this reason, besides antihypertensive drugs, antidiabetic drugs, it is necessary taking Baby Aspirin (80-100mg) daily in order to help prevent a future stroke. I hope this helps.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
The right side of his body has weakened. He still can walk but has to drag his right leg to move. He can also barely use his right arm to eat. Good thing to note is there are no noticeable dropping in his facial muscles or impairment in speech. I just have a few more questions:
Will his right arm and leg return to normal? If so, how soon should we expect this to happen? Would you recommend physical therapy to hasten his recovery? We have not had a CT scan performed on him yet because of the hospitals being full of COVID patients. Is this something that should urgently be done? Or can we wait for another month or so or until the home quarantine policy implemented in our country is lifted? Is there a need for us to rush him to the hospital so he can get the right treatment and be assured of fast recovery?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
His situation does not seem to be an emergency. Considering the COVID situation, I recommend treatment at home at this point. I would also recommend physiotherapy and some supplements for the brain (Piracetam or Vinpocetine). Omega 3 fatty acids supplements can help too.
I think his situation will recover in a month or two with physiotherapy. It is necessary to continue daily Baby Aspirin to prevent future strokes.
The brain CT scan would show the brain damage which has occurred. It would not change the treatment. Another test to consider would be a Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries in order to exclude possible severe narrowing of the carotid arteries. In such a case, another blood thinner (Clopidogrel) would be necessary. This test can be performed even in a private clinic.
I hope this helps.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Neurology
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
