I’m new at these boards, but I already have a question. My friend (mid-thirties) suffered a stroke due to a carotid artery dissection. As far as I understand, this is a stroke that results from lack of blood to the brain due to a tear in the carotid artery. This seems to be a fairly rare type of stroke. It occurred about a month ago, with symptoms appearing over several days before she was admitted to the hospital. I would like some straightforward information, as most of the web sites I have found are very technical (medical journals, etc.). Mainly, I have two questions :
What are the chances of another stroke occurring?
Is she likely to make a full recovery? (She is talking almost normally now, and getting around with a walker, so she seems to be progressing quite well so far.)
Chances of another stroke occuring depend on the cause of the dissection. If she has a disorder of the blood vessels or connective tissue that predisposes her to dissection, it is likely to happen again (Marfanoid, etc.) If its idiopathic or due to trauma, it is probably pretty unlikely to happen a second time.
The recovery question is harder to answer. Most likely it depends on how severe the damage was in the first place and how she has progressed so far. My bet would be that she will recover most of what she lost but likely will never quite get backk all the function she lost. However, I wouldn't take my word as final or as any sort of definite prognostication and would ultimately refer that question to her doctors since I have never seen her before and don't know what areas were affected by the stroke
As far as I know, she has no disease that would weaken the blood vessels. Everyone who has spoken to the doctors seems to think that this was some kind of freak occurrence. That puts my mind at rest somewhat. I was very worried about a larger stroke happening at a later date.
Also, I recall reading somewhere (Internet, probably) that a person recovering from a stroke makes about 50% of their recovery in the first month, something like 80% after three months, and 100% in the first year. Does this sound accurate (I mean as far as estimations go)?
And the older you get the less plastic your brain becomes. As was pointed out, one cannot make a blanket statement as to the percentage of recovery and duration until full recovery, of possible, without knowing how much damage the brain sustained, which only her doctors know for sure. (There are certain brain studies that can disclose that.)
Please ignore syjstr’s unorthodox and dangerous recommendations above. The explanation offered above makes no physiologic sense and there are no reputable studies which show any evidence of marijuana smoking helping an acute stroke victim. There is a body of evidence that does indicate it may help precipitate certain types of cerebrovascular accidents like hemorrhagic strokes.
All the info is WELL documented in the well known book named “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” check it out! But I will also refrain from making anymore STATEMENTS of facts, As my prior statement was not advice just actual fact. Sorry for the confusion people.
It has been 7 months since I suffered my stroke, and I’m pretty well recovered. A little tremor in my right hand (much more pronounced when I get tired or stressed), some memory lapses. and a sensitivity to strong smells. Other than that, A-OK.
My father suffered a pretty severe stroke about five years ago, at the age of 78. He was not affected too much physically, but he was extremely aphasic (lost his power of speech), and his memory was confused.
Although he still often has trouble recalling a specific word that he is “searching” for, he has made significant strides. He can converse pretty well now, though he is reluctant to talk much. He has acquired a fear of failing.
It was interesting to observe his verbal “mistakes” because it provided some insight into how his memories were organized. When searching for the word “microwave” for example, he’d search and come up with words like “refrigerator” and “vacuum cleaner” and “toaster” first. Apparently in his mind, the appliances were all kind of grouped together.
Regarding the OP, my response is that “it depends”. So nothing new there. I offer my story to provide hope that no matter how bad the symptoms, with enough time amazing recovery can take place.