Since this month is all about Stroke Awareness & Prevention, I figured it would be great to talk about strokes, risk factors, and how you know you've had one!! The next four posts we will dive into all of that good stuff. I definitely want to touch on the strokes I've had. I have two neurology appointments this week, so I might come back and edit some things to add. I'll be sure to make that note at the end and BOLD all of my additions! Ready...set...let's go!!
A pontine stroke occurs in the blood vessels inside a structure in your brainstem called your pons. This part of your brain controls many essential processes, like your breathing and balance.
Pontine strokes can cause many different symptoms, such as paralysis or trouble coordinating movement. Symptoms may improve over time depending on the extent of your stroke and how soon you receive treatment.
With my stroke, I could no longer walk! I was confined to a wheelchair and needed 100% assistance for things. After some time though (two-ish months), I learned how to walk with a walker. Recovery is possible!
The symptoms of a pontine stroke depend on which part of your pons is affected. Some of the more common symptom patterns include the following.
Ventro-caudal pontine infarction
A ventro-caudal pontine infarction is characterized by:
partial or complete paralysis on the opposite side of your body as your stroke
weakness on your opposite side
decreased pain and temperature sensation on your opposite side
inward turn of eye (abducens palsy) on the same side
facial paralysis on the same side
Mid-pontine base infarction
Mid-pontine base infarction might cause:
loss of coordination on the same side
weakness and loss of sensation on the same side of your face
paralysis on the opposite side of your body
Tegmental pontine syndrome
Tegmental pontine syndrome can cause:
loss of face sensation on the same side
paralysis of your muscles on the same side
impaired blinking on the same side
loss of coordination on the same side
sensory loss on the opposite side of your body
Multiple pontine infarcts
Multiple pontine infarcts can cause pseudobulbar palsy, which is the inability to control the muscles in your face. It may also cause:
trouble controlling emotions like sudden laughing or crying
spasms in your vocal cords
difficult swallowing
slowed or slurred speech
I've DEFINITELY had multiple infarcts! I have pseudobulbar palsy.
Bilateral pontine infarcts
If the blockage occurs in your basilar artery that runs down the middle of your pons, you might have symptoms on both sides of your body. Large blockages can cause:
paralysis in both arms and legs
facial paralysis on both sides
trouble with the muscles that control swallowing and breathing
trouble speaking
Doctors all stated that I shouldn't have lived. And if I did, they warned I would be on machines for the rest of my life, unable to communicate.
But here I am!! SEE!! IT'S POSSIBLE!
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