Hi. I had a stroke one week ago today. I thought I was having extreme anxiety and ignored it. I had bad dizziness, weakness on my right side, couldn't write. Finally went to the doctor. Just got back from MRI it showed small early acute subacute pontine infarction, which I just read is in the brain stem. I am freaked out. Anyone else have this type of stroke
Hi Deb,
There are a few people with brain stem strokes. I will follow up for you. Also call the team on StrokeLine 1800 787 653. They are great if you have questions, or just want to chat.
Here are some answers too from the FB community.
Debbie
balance cannot always be relearnt, i am wobbly and will always be, 18 months on
Suzana
I had two pontine strokes, 2016 and 2017, they were minor but to me major life changing ......both on the left side of the brain. Have weakness in right hand and heaviness and issues with right leg. In saying the balance is better now but it is still there and that's hard , in saying that i was lucky they were not bigger but i neurologist couldn't believe i had them in the same place. Good luck, there is light ahead i know it doesn't feel like it now oh and i have been saying and saying that sudden dizziness should be included as well as are vision changes in the FAST acronym for years as those strokes can be devastating
Jasmine Anne
I have a mild pontine infrac, unsure how it directly effects me as the brain stem stroke did more damage, but possibly breath control, balance can be relearnt, possible spasticity issues, no eating issues or speech.
Sara
One year ago my son (who was 14 at the time) had a sub acute stroke in left pontine due to necrosis from radiation treatment 10 years ago. He also had dizziness and balance issues and I had no idea it could be a stroke. He has since made an incredible recovery but still has right side weakness. He had occupational, speech, and physical therapy. He also received 60 days of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to heal the necrosis. Best wishes to you. I know it is such a scary and uncertain time
Hello Deb,
Thanks for reaching out, I am sorry to hear what you've been through in the last week. It can be very scary to find out you have had a stroke. It is good to hear you went to the Doctor and have had a MRI done. It is always important to have medical follow up after experiencing a stroke.
Have you received you any other information on stroke? EnableMe is a great place to start. There are many others who have experienced this type of stroke, and it can be helpful to hear what others have gone through too.
You might also like to have a look at our Stroke Booklet called My Stroke Journey here which has a lot of information that could be helpful to you.
As Di mentioned, it would be good to reach out to StrokeLine and we can talk to you in more detail about what you've experienced, and give you some more information about your stroke. You can call StrokeLine on Ph. 1800 787 653.
Do reach out if you have any questions.
Kind regards
Siobhan (StrokeLine)
Two and a half years ago I had a stroke in my left medullar. I am left with balance issues but also neuralgia in the left side of my face. My physician says that the cause of this pain was pre-existing and has been triggered by the stroke. Anyway it hurts. My fatigue has also gotten much worse. Not just physical but mental fatigue as well. And it all feeds in to my anxiety. Life is fun.
Hi Tim,
Sorry to hear about your impacts from stroke and thank you for sharing. It sounds like you are going through a really challenging time. Do you have any support to work through these impacts? With some management strategies these symptoms may improve.
Do reach out to us if you would like to talk about this further on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. StrokeLine's friendly allied health professionals are available Monday to Friday 9am -5pm AEDT.
Here are a few links to resources that may be helpful.
With kind regards,
Kath, StrokeLine