Re: stroke after back surgery

Posted By CCF NSG MD /gsh on August 13, 1998 at 18:46:00:

In Reply to: stroke after back surgery posted by Ralph on August 13, 1998 at 01:43:49:






I am 44 years old and had back surgery on 7-20-98at the l-2 level. On 8-4-98 I awoke in the morning and couldn't walk or use left hand,Blood pressure has always been normal and have no weight prob. ct test showed a mild stroke and I have an appt w/neuro 8-14-98. Iss tightness of shoulder left side ribs,and arm, leg and foot normal? Also thins really get on my nerves since this happenedd ,is this ormal/ I went to an e-room that nite and they sent me home w/missed diagnosis. If They had diagnosed me right to start with Would the effects been minimal?






Dear Ralph,
The stroke you had is probably unrelated to the back surgery you had recently.  The only thing that may have contributed to an increased risk of
stroke after surgery might be not restarting an aspirin a day if you were on it before surgery.  Once a stroke has occurred, the immediate damage, for the most part, is done.  The key issue at that point and in your case is to prevent further more debilitating strokes from occurring.  
You should see your primary care physician regarding the recent stroke for
a complete workup and management of risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking, for starters.  You should have blood work, a carotid ultrasound, an EKG and possibly a cardiac
echocardiogram.  These tests should be discussed with your physician.  If no definite cause is found, your physician will likely recommend an aspirin a day.
Good luck.