These last few days I've had a lot running through my head about Ethan, his stroke, his seizures, and his development. These days have been really hard for me. I'm not quite sure why I am now thinking about it all. I am always thinking about it, but this week it all has hit me hard. I have cried to and pleaded with God to give me some answers, or at least peace again. But for now, I will keep jumping in with two feet to learn all I can to be the best for him.
WHAT IS A STROKE?
A stroke or “brain attack” occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery (a blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body) or a blood vessel (a tube through which the blood moves through the body) breaks, interrupting blood flow to an area of the brain. When either of these things happen, brain cells begin to die and brain damage occurs.
When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain are lost. These abilities include speech, movement and memory. How a stroke patient is affected depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged.
For example, someone who has a small stroke may experience only minor problems such as weakness of an arm or leg. People who have larger strokes may be paralyzed on one side or lose their ability to speak. Some people recover completely from strokes, but more than 2/3 of survivors will have some type of disability
— National Stroke Assciation www.stroke.org
