29 & had Stroke

    
      Re: 29 & had Stroke
    


[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum ] [ FAQ ]



Posted by CCF neuro MD on February 06, 1998 at 16:38:36:

In Reply to: 29 & had Stroke posted by Lisa on February 06, 1998 at 15:56:18:

: I'm 29 and had a stroke 3 weeks ago.  Compared to what I know could have happened, the damage I have is very minimal.  Some speech issues, left side weakness & some loss of use in left arm/hand, right side sensory issues, and some personality changes.
  While in the hospital I did not get all or any of my questions answered and my neurologist won't even return my phone calls since the hospital.  I have an apt. with another Neurologist later this month but, I was hoping you could clarify a couple things for me.
  They have determined that the stroke was caused by a birth defect type issue.  My right Vertebral artery (or whaever it's called)is really thin/skinny and my whole life the left one has compensated for it and a dissection occred.
  What is a dissection (in words I'll understand!)?
  For two weeks prior to my stroke I had a headache always centralized in the base of the back of my head on the left side.  I went to the doctor and they treted it as a sinus infection.  After 1 week of antibiotic/decongestant I went to the doctor again because there was no relief from the headache and the day I went in it was particlarily bad.  The doctor switched the antibiotic and put me on an anthistimine and a nasal spray.  Less than 18 hours from starting the new medication I had my stroke.  It was the wierdest thing.
  I strongly believe the headache was affiliated with the stroke, but the 2 doctors I saw in the hospital kept saying there was no way for anyone to know because I am so young.  Is there a possibility the headache was affiliated with it?
  What are the chances of this thing doing this again?
  How long does it take for the dissection to heal or go down or whatever it has to do!?
  The doctors were guessing full recovery within 60 days.  I hope they're right, that'd be incredible.  But, as my body heals,etc. should I be doing some therapy to help my left side?  
  Any input would be greatly appreciated by myself & my husband!!
  Thank you!
  Lisa
=========================================================================
see answer above