What caused my husband to make a strange sucking noise and not even realize it?
This episode sounds like a TIA (transient ischemic attack,) also known as a mini-stroke. Unlike a regular stroke, a TIA does not cause brain tissue to die. It may last from a few minutes to several hours. It’s caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow in the brain. After a TIA, the blockage breaks up quickly and dissolves.
It’s usually impossible to diagnose a TIA after the fact, because the changes in the brain are too minimal, so if it happens again it’s pointless to take husband to the hospital. It will only cause him unnecessary stress (and stress can cause a real stroke.)
You might want to inform his doctor, just to have it on record.
Transient ischemic attack http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001743/
I have to disagree with Dr Lokvig. You should NOT just ignore this. If it happens again I would definitely get him in to see a doctor as soon as possible. Many times a TIA is a precurser to a real stroke. They may not see the temporary blockage, but they can see a narrowing of the artery. They could also do a blood test to see if he is prone to clotting. Believe me, I know. I am coming up on the 5 year anniversary of my stroke and you do not want your husband or family tgo have to go through that.
This could also be a stroke related seizure. Getting this checked out is best! Especially if he has a history of stroke.
