TIAs and cancer
My 91 year old mother was diagnosed with esophageal cancer at the end of Sept. She's had a stent inserted and is not having other treatment. So she's basically in palliative care at home and we have great support from the local medical community. She had an incident this morning where after feeling weak and being helped to sit on her bed, she basically froze, staring, unable to speak or react to us speaking to her. Her head and neck were rigid and her eyes were unfocused. We've been told she may have already had a TIA or could have them and I'd like to know if this was a TIA. I haven't seen her have one before, though she's complained of the back of her head being 'uncomfortable' on two other occasions... So far there are no visible side effects, such as a stroke might produce or anything similar. She's tired but OK afterwards. Thanks for any input.
Dear HKB,
Thank you for posting and I’m very sorry to read about your mothers diagnosis and the situation yesterday morning, you must have got an awful fright. I am glad to read that you have had great support from the local medical community since her diagnosis.
We would advise to seek medical attention in such a situation. The situation you have described could be a number of different things so you are best to speak with your mothers medical team. They may be able to confirm that it was indeed a TIA or investigate further.
I hope this is helpful and please don’t hesitate to phone our supportline on 1800 200 700 to speak with a cancer nurse. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Kind regards,
Cancer nurse.