I was just diagnosed with a small acute/early subacute left pontine infarction. I just read that is a brain stem stroke. I am freaking out. My deficits are not too bad, cannot write, right arm and leg weak, poor balance. Can you tell me is having my stroke in the brain as opposed to other parts of the brain more serious. Am I more likely to have a 2nd one. I am sitting here in such fear

Hi Deb,

Sorry to hear about your stroke. It can be a really stressful and uncertain time, having to learn all about stroke and what this means for you. ‘Why did this happen to me’ and ‘will it happen again’ are very common questions after a stroke. Being fearful of having another stroke is a normal response after such a life changing event.

Your chances of having another stroke depend on a range of things. Have you spoken to your doctor or neurologist about what caused your stroke? Do you know if you have any of the risk factors for stroke?

You can read more about the risk factors here: https://strokefoundation.org.au/about-stroke/prevent-stroke

You might find it helpful to listen to this podcast on Fear of second stroke: https://enableme.org.au/community/podcasts/enableme-podcast-series/fear-of-second-stroke

Here is a bit of a summary for you, some of this is covered on the podcast:

1. Find out what caused your stroke. Speak to your neurologist or GP. Attend your check ups and take any prescribed medication.

2. Identify your risk factors and make sure you are addressing them to minimise the risk of another stroke. For example, if you have high blood pressure are you taking medication, eating healthy, exercising regularly, not smoking or drinking too much alcohol, getting good sleep, and managing stress, etc.

3. Manage your fears about having another stroke by seeking professional help. Working with a psychologist can help manage worries.

4. Prepare and educate those around you of the signs of stroke. Make sure the people around you know the FAST and other signs of stroke.

5. Focus on your recovery, the things you enjoy and keep moving forward. Ongoing gains are possible weeks, months and even years after a stroke.

6. Connect with other survivors of stroke who get it. They can reassure you that you are not alone, fear of another stroke is very common and possible to manage.

You can read more about FAST and other signs of stroke here: https://strokefoundation.org.au/about-stroke/learn/signs-of-stroke

If you haven’t already received our stroke recovery resource My Stroke Journey and fact sheets, you can access them here: https://strokefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/for-survivors-and-carers/my-stroke-journey

I see you may be based in the US. If so the Stroke Family Warmline connects stroke survivors and their families with an American Stroke Association team member who can provide support, helpful information or just a listening ear. Call them 8am to 5pm CT Monday to Friday on 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653). Or visit https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-risk-factors

If you're based in Australia, we have a team of allied health professionals who can support you through recovery and refer you to other services if needed. You can call StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST) or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au

Best wishes,

Simone, StrokeLine