Turns out she had 90 percent blockage in her right carotid artery, putting her in high risk for a stroke. Doctor's at the hospital's vascular center did a procedure and cleared the blockage, drastically reducing the risk.Now, some experts say you shouldn't just have a screening on a whim. A good article from About.com makes some good points about false readings. However, the About.com writer does suggest that some people - those with a family history or those with known vascular disease - might be good candidates.
With Stroke Awareness Month just behind us, a good suggestion: Consider your own history and act accordingly. Keep in mind that this is from a non-doctor. Why not ask your own doctor for advice?
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Legendary TV Personality Mark McEwen has a new book out on life after stroke. In November 2005, Mark suffered a minor stroke while visiting relatives in Baltimore. The hospital misdiagnosed it as the flu and discharged him. A few days later, on a flight back to his home in Orlando, McEwen suffered a massive stroke during the plane’s descent. It almost killed him, and it might have been prevented.
McEwen, a talented and witty public speaker, suddenly found himself stuck in a hospital, unable to talk, swallow, or move half his body. In his new book, CHANGE IN THE WEATHER: Life After Stroke, McEwen’s writes candidly everything that happened next, in an intimate chronicle of inspiring perseverance.
Today, over two years later, McEwen has returned to much of his normal life—walking, talking, driving, and even going back on TV. With CHANGE IN THE WEATHER, McEwen has decided to share his story because “I want stroke survivors to know that they’re not alone. There is indeed life after stroke, and even in the most extreme cases, patients can expect to recover pieces of their old lives and graft them onto whatever new experiences lay in wait.”
In addition to discussing what we need to know about stroke and its warning signs, he can discuss his illustrious career and how stroke humbled him.
For more information on the book visit: http://www.markmcewen.com/
I remember Mark's days in early morning TV - but had no idea what he struggle through, and glad he's decided to tell his story.
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