Transient Ischemic Attack Treatment in India

Vihaan Nair, a 58-year-old software architect...

Vihaan Nair, a 58-year-old software architect and father of two, was working late when his right hand suddenly went numb and clumsy, causing him to drop his coffee mug. The sensation passed in 20 minutes, but it left him deeply shaken. He had a history of well-managed hypertension but was a lifelong smoker. His primary care doctor, concerned it was a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or 'mini-stroke', urgently referred him to neurologist Dr. Mehta. Dr. Mehta explained that a TIA is a critical warning sign of a future major stroke and recommended immediate hospitalization for a 'stroke workup', a series of procedures including MRI of the brain, carotid ultrasound, heart monitoring, and blood tests to find the cause. Vihaan spent two anxious days in the hospital undergoing tests. The emotional toll was heavy; he feared for his ability to provide for his family and was angry at his own smoking habit. The tests revealed significant narrowing in his left carotid artery. The outcome was a life-changing diagnosis, not a procedure. Based on the workup, Dr. Mehta recommended aggressive medical therapy (new medications to thin his blood and control cholesterol) and a carotid endarterectomy surgery to clear the blockage. Post-'workup', Vihaan felt a shift from fear to determined control. He quit smoking immediately, started his medications, and scheduled the surgery. His emotional journey moved from initial terror and vulnerability to a proactive, grateful focus on prevention, seeing the TIA as a lifesaving wake-up call.