Occult PTSD with Panic Attacks in a Patient Post-Tia: Case Report

Abstract

Affective disorders are common sequelae of cerebrovascular events. A myriad of evidence demonstrates that clinically significant depression can often follow a stroke. However, less is known about the extent to which anxiety disorders present after these experiences, and in particular, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with panic attacks. To our knowledge, the association between transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and PTSD with panic attacks has not been described in the literature. Here we describe a patient with depression and PTSD with panic attacks following a transient ischemic attack. Many non-psychiatric physicians learn about post-stroke depression so they are equipped to screen for it. However, to many physicians, PTSD with panic attacks usually conjures the image of an individual who experienced either trauma or rape. Therefore, it is important to increase the awareness of such complications after TIAs. Increased awareness of these TIA sequelae has important implications for detection by non-psychiatric healthcare providers. Furthermore, prompt recognition and treatment has important implications for patient quality of life.