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Strokes and headaches! Oh My!


Recently, I have had several severe headaches. I have had headaches ever since my strokes. My neurologist still does not understand why I have those headaches. It seems that the particular part of my brain that was damaged should not result in pain.  

Nevertheless, as I tell new stroke survivors, every stroke and recovery is different.  I have headaches. I just deal with the reality.

About 3 years ago, I was plagued with similar pain. Ultimately, I got a CT scan. That scan three years ago indicated that nothing has changed. I dealt with it.

The recent series of headaches have been similar to the ones 3 years ago. After 6 weeks of pain, I finally went to the ER mainly because the intensity of the headaches was extreme. Two days ago, three Norcos did not help.

Therefore, I went to my safe place, St. Alphonsus Regional Trauma Center in Boise, Idaho.  I spent 18 days there after my strokes 8 years ago. At the ER, I apologized to the staff because I feel guilty wasting time and resources because “it is just a headache.” I was reassured that given my history of carotid dissections and seizures, precautions are warranted.


As they prepared me to get another CT scan, I felt so relieved. The sense of comfort is hard to describe. As they wheeled me into the exam room, I realized it was the same room where I got imaging after the “big stroke” on January 13th of 2012. That day, I was paralyzed with fear. Plus, my right side was paralyzed but I digress.  

Back in the room, the doctor told me that nothing has changed since the CT scan 3 years ago. I do have a baseline to compare if necessary.

In clinical terms, the doctor said the good news is nothing has changed.

I was relieved and said, “So basically, there is no new brain damage but I still have brain damage!” She was startled. My gallows humor might have been out of place in the ER.I have happy with the result yet the headaches are still there.  Such is life!  My life!  
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