She had two strokes 3 months apart (aged 43) due to haemorrhages from arterial venous malformations. The second stroke caused right-sided paralysis and muscles spasm. Medication: baclofen (spasms), phenergan (anxiety), phenytoin (epilepsy due to a brain tumour age 41).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 66-75 >> Ralph - Interview 60 >> Ralph talks about feeling depressed after his stroke and describes it as a normal response to a drastic change in one’s health.

One morning Ralph awoke to feelings of pins and needles in his arm and leg. Recognising that there was a problem, he immediately called NHS Direct. Ralph was happy with the quick response, but felt that things fell apart afterward. Since he lived alone and had no social support network (i.e., family to call), he discharged himself from the hospital.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 76-95 >> Interview 41 >> Although she was initially frustrated at the loss of independence she has accepted her stroke as just part of getting older.

She had a stroke due to a clot aged 87 which caused right weakness and problems with balance and with speech and eating. Medication: atenolol, ramipril (blood pressure), lipitor (cholesterol), aspirin (antiplatelet), motilium (nausea and vertigo), omeprazole (gastric resistant tablets).

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 56-65 >> David - Interview 61 >> David referred to others who have overcome great odds to make important contributions to the world. This helped him to realise that anything is possib

David experienced two strokes in 2003 in addition to two episodes of pneumonia. The stroke, which affected his mobility, balance, and ability to drive, led to an early retirement from his job as a monitoring officer for the local council.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Gavin - Interview 63 >> Douglas Bader, a famous spitfire pilot in the Second World War was a source of inspiration for Gavin.

Gavin is a 47 year old media representative/spokesperson. He lives at home with his wife and two children. He is not working right now because of his stroke, but hopes to return to some type of work one day. His ethnic background is White British.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Gavin - Interview 63 >> The transition home was difficult for Gavin and his family as they all had to adjust together.

Nerves & brain >> Stroke >> Age 46-55 >> Gavin - Interview 63 >> Gavin talks about fighting to recover versus acceptance.

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