Comment on Serene Branson On-Air Stroke

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From Stroke Survivor and Author Jeff Kagan

Atlanta, GA, February 17, 2011 — Here are a few thoughts on Serene Branson’s on-air stroke. Serene Branson is a reporter on CBS2.

I had a stroke. I am not a doctor or a stroke specialist, but I have been very close to this world of stroke for several years.

In fact I just wrote a book on the subject and it will be out in the next few weeks.

When I saw the clip of Serene, what I saw I would have to say was either a stroke or something else just as serious.

There are multiple types of strokes. Some more servere than others. Some are mild and called TIA and they come on strong, then they disappear. This is a warning stroke. You feel fine afterwards and don’t go to the doctor. However this is often the warning to a real and lasting stroke which can change your life forever.

I hear that Serene went home and not to the hospital. When I had a stroke I didn’t go to the hospital the first day either. I slept alot. Much more than usual. If anyone asked me I would not have said I had a stroke. But I did. And the damage took years to recover from. Years.

If you are not sure you are always better off going to the hospital to have yourself checked, immediately. If it is a stroke, and if they can treat you within the first couple hours, your damage can be limited. If you wait however, there is nothing that can be done. Parts of your brain will starve without oxygen. Then you just have to let your brain take its time and re-wire itself. And believe me it takes a long time.

I hope Serene is getting medical care right now. It could be the difference between going on medications and blood thinners to keep a full stroke away, and having to suffer with and recover from an actual life changing stroke.

Don’t count on yourself being able to make the decision to get checked out. You will say you are fine. You will say no. No one likes to think something may be wrong. However if you don’t get checked out and treated quickly, you could experience a very serious and possibly life threatening stroke.

My prayers are with Serene.

After seven years I have just written a book called Life After Stroke: On The Road To Recovery. www.jeffkagan.com/Life_After_Stroke.htm

It will be avaialable for purchase in the next few weeks on www.BarnesandNoble.com and www.Amazon.com

If I can help you with thoughts or comments please get in touch with me by email or phone.