Apr

What it feels like to have a stroke

I’m a big fan of Ted Talks and this one is quite stunning. The TED introduction covers what the talk is about very well.

Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor had an opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: One morning, she realized she was having a massive stroke. As it happened — as she felt her brain functions slip away one by one, speech, movement, understanding — she studied and remembered every moment. This is a powerful story about how our brains define us and connect us to the world and to one another.

I’ve read many descriptions of left and right brain function before, but her description of it is the best I have ever heard. It is concrete, real and (obviously) spoken from experience.

She has a website as well where you read more and order her book from Lulu (as a download) for €8.04 – I bought it and it’s an extremely good read. There is a section in the book called “Forty things I needed the most” which would prove useful to anyone who might have to deal with a family member who has suffered from a stroke… here is a brief extract

I am not stupid, I am wounded. Please respect me.
Come close, speak slowly, and enunciate clearly.
Repeat yourself – assume I know nothing and start from the beginning, over and over.
Be as patient with me the 20th time you teach me something, as you were the first.
Approach me with an open heart and slow your energy down. Take your time.
Be aware of what your body language and facial expressions are communicating to me.
Make eye contact with me. I am in here – come find me. Encourage me.
Please don’t raise your voice – I’m not deaf, I’m wounded.
Touch me appropriately and connect with me.
Honor the healing power of sleep.

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