As a stroke survivor at age 29, I had no idea what the signs and symptoms of a stroke were. Unfortunately, strokes aren’t age restrictive. I was unaware of so many details that could have helped me act quicker and possibly provided care for me sooner. I worked out frequently and thought I was healthy. I did not feel well the day I had my stroke. I had a headache, felt sick to my stomach, and my left arm felt heavy and odd. Until my left leg went numb and I fell from my office chair, I had no idea that I was suffering a massive hemorrhagic stroke. I had just transitioned my career from corporate sales and marketing in the airline industry to the position of Office Manager at our church to help with our family planning. I made this career change to help start our family, but I now believe God helped me make this career change to save my life. I was rushed to the hospital, underwent an emergency brain surgery to stop the bleed, and woke up seventeen days later from a drug-induced coma. The stroke had left me paralyzed on the left side and in the blink of an eye, my whole life had changed. I had to learn to do everything all over again from swallowing and talking, sitting up, eventually standing, and walking with assistance. I went home after two months in the hospital in a wheelchair, unable to walk on my own or use my left arm or hand. I soon discovered that strokes can happen to a person of any age, and it is important to be aware of the types of strokes and their warning signs, so you too can be prepared.
Four Types of Strokes
- There are four types of strokes: Ischemic, Hemorrhagic, Transient Ischemic Attack (Mini-Stroke), and Brain Stem Strokes
- The most common stroke, Ischemic Strokes, accounts for about 87% strokes. This type of stroke happens when a blood vessel supplying blood to your brain gets blocked by a blood clot.
- A hemorrhagic stroke is one of the deadliest types of strokes and this stroke occurs when bleeding in your brain damages nearby cells.
- My stroke was an intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke caused by a malformation of blood vessels on the right side of my brain that was never detected, also called an AVM. It caused bleeding inside the brain.
- A TIA or Mini-Stroke is similar to an ischemic stroke and is a temporary blockage in blood flow to your brain. Your symptoms however may go away within 24 hours. This can be a warning sign though for a future, bigger stroke.
- Brain stem strokes are very difficult because the location is in a tight spot to vital functions. This type of stroke can affect both sides of the body. Some signs include vertigo, dizziness, and severe imbalance
Warning Signs
Acronym BE FAST to remember the signs to spot a stroke.
- Balance difficulties, headache, and dizziness
- Eyesight changes or blurred vision
- Face drooping or weakness: One side of the face droops, is numb, your smile is uneven or lopsided
- Arm or leg weakness: One arm or leg is weak or numb or you have difficulty raising your arms or legs
- Speech difficulty: Speech is slurred, it is hard to understand what you are saying, or you are unable to speak
- Time to call 911: If you have any of these signs, call 911 and get to the hospital immediately. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Stroke Statistics
- Each year, 795,000 in the US suffer a stroke.
- 1 in 6 people will experience a stroke in their lifetime.
- About every 40 seconds, someone has a stroke.
- About 55,000 more women than men have a stroke each year.
- Stroke is #5 cause of death.
- 1 out of 4 stroke survivors are at risk for another stroke.
- 185,000 reoccurring strokes happen each year.
- High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of stroke.
- Up to 80% of strokes can be prevented by keeping a healthy lifestyle.
Stroke Prevention
- Choose healthy foods and drinks whenever possible.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Get regular physical activity.
- Don’t smoke.
- Limit your alcohol intake.
- Check your cholesterol.
- Control your blood pressure and diabetes.
Challenges After a Stroke
- Physical Challenges: different therapy options, pain management, muscle spasticity
- Communication Challenges: aphasia, memory loss, dementia
- Emotional and Behavioral Challenges:
- Depression
- Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
- Restlessness and irritability
- Hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies or activities
- Decreased energy and fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Anxiety
- Negotiating Hope and Acceptance
- Mood Disorders
- Depression, Anxiety or Pseudo-bulbar Effect
- Solution Focused Therapy, Problem Solving Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attitude and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy
- Self Esteem
- Keep a journal.
- Change your negative self-talk.
- Visualize what you want to create in your life.
- Take time to be alone every day.
- Nurture yourself.
- Change your thoughts and you can change how you feel.
- Depression
Resources
- American Stroke Association: https://www.stroke.org/en/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/prevention.htm
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-preventing-stroke
It is so important to know the signs of a stroke ahead of time and be prepared. By living a healthier lifestyle and understanding that stroke is not age restrictive, could save your life. If you do have a stroke like I did, know there are resources and help out there. You are not alone.
About the Author
At age twenty-nine Lori suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, then developed epilepsy from the stroke. As a walking miracle, she feels called to share her journey of perseverance and faith to encourage others. Even with her difficulties, she and her husband were able to become adoptive parents to a sibling group of three. She published her first book: CHOICES: When You Are Faced with a Challenge, What Choice Will You Make? She is also connecting and encouraging others to choose to bloom in every circumstance. Her website is www.lorivober.com.
Strokes are definitely not restricted to age, so it’s good to promote good health whenever possible. Maintaining the proper diet and practicing stress relief can be particularly useful.