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Can A Transient Ischemic Attack( TIA )be Bilateral?

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Posted on Tue, 24 Feb 2015
Question: Can a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) be bilateral? Causing (temporary) paralysis in BOTH legs/feet simultaneously? My elderly father, while making his bed, suddenly lost all motor control of both legs/feet and fell to the floor. His said his feet/legs wouldn't "obey" any of his "commands." After about 40 minutes, all became normal again and he was able to stand upright again. This happened a week ago (7 days), and he has felt fine, with no further incidents since that initial one. It sounded like a TIA, but his GP says a TIA would only affect one leg/foot or the other, not both.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
A TIA can cause bilateral symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns.

TIA that happens in the territory of vertebrobasilar system or posterior cerebral blood circulation can cause bilateral symptoms, usually are involved all four limbs, but in rare causes deficit can be located more in both legs.

Usually a TIA in this territory is accompanied by brainstem disfunction too.

Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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Can A Transient Ischemic Attack( TIA )be Bilateral?

Brief Answer: A TIA can cause bilateral symptoms. Detailed Answer: Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns. TIA that happens in the territory of vertebrobasilar system or posterior cerebral blood circulation can cause bilateral symptoms, usually are involved all four limbs, but in rare causes deficit can be located more in both legs. Usually a TIA in this territory is accompanied by brainstem disfunction too. Hope this answers your question. If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.