EnableMe | enableme - stroke recovery and support

Hi everyone,

This is a very surreal experience for me at the moment. I was actually having an MRI for my shoulder pain and MS. But the MRI came back that I had suffered a stroke in my cerebellum. I am still going through tests at the moment. I have had a MRA on my neck, echo, MRI on my thoracic spine ( as they haven't ruled out MS just yet). They found a PFO but do not think it caused the stroke - but still waiting for clarification on that. I am 46 years old no history of strokes. The only member of the family to suffer migraines with auras - had them since I was twelve. Anyway I am glad I found this site and can read others experiences and things to look out for. Really at the moment I think it still seems like it hasn't happened. Apart from the constant 2 min headaches I get every hour or so. I would be grateful on any advice on things I should ask my neurologist about. I have no idea and to be honest Dr. Goggle is scaring the hell outta me.

Hi Jac,

It sounds like you have had a lot going on for you lately. It is understandable to feel a little like things that are happening at the moment are out of your control and hard to process. The EnableMe community is a safe place to touch base with others who may have been through similar and can share their experiences with you, thanks for joining us here.

Strokes can be caused by a number of risk factors, including Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO). A PFO is a hole between the right and left upper chambers of the heart, that didn’t close all the way after birth. Although a PFO doesn’t directly cause a stroke, it provides a way for a blood clot to pass from the right to left side of circulation in the heart, where it might travel to the brain and cause a stroke. In some cases, the PFO combined with another condition, such as atrial fibrillation, increases the risk of stroke or TIA.

Your neurologist will investigate your risk factors, review your stroke, discuss PFO, and be able explain more to you. It would be good to talk to them about your history of migraines with auras, and the constant headaches that are occurring at the moment. If your headaches and migraines increase in frequency or intensity before your appointment, or are accompanied by other signs of stroke, please follow the FAST message that can be seen here: https://vimeo.com/423020759 and call 000 for an ambulance.

If you would like to speak to one of our StrokeLine health professionals more about stroke, PFO, migraines, or even just to chat about your concerns, we are available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm on 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au

Leah

StrokeLine

Hi Jac. thanks for sharing on the forum your experience so far. I would suggest that you dont use Dr Google (hahahaha!) cause theres a lot of mis-information out there. use your GP, specialist, Stroke helpline or otherwise it will do your head in.

I note things down in Google notes (its syncs accros my devices), as my memory is not good after my Stroke; things that pop into my head and just questions I have for my Drs. Just ask about everything. most Drs are more than happy to explain stuff to you.

Hang in there. we have a supurb medical system in Australia.

Take care.

Thanks Graham, Yeah have stopped doctor goggling except for getting definitions. I am now in the throws of cardiologist appointments. As I live in regional WA I have to organise flights etc to get medical assistance which is a pain.

Good I deal on Goggle docs. I have noticed that I forget simple things sometimes but don't know if that is just age or the stroke.

The neurologist I had was very unsympathetic and said he checked for MS you don't have it we only found the stroke due to MRI so go back to GP.

Thanks for the reply.

Was being checked for MS told had a Stroke.

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