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Kirk Douglas finds silver lining after stroke
By W. Reed Moran, Spotlight Health
With medical adviser Stephen A. Shoop, M.D.
Most people dread the thought of major life changes being
thrust upon them. And fewer still would credit an unexpected health challenge
as a bit of good fortune.
But actor Kirk Douglas reports that the stroke he suffered
in 1996 changed him in ways that enriched his life, and ultimately became the
subject of his recent book, My Stroke of Luck.
"You know, stroke is a very interesting thing, although
at times I wish I didn't have it," says Douglas. "It makes you appreciate things.
For instance, the 'simple' miracle of speech — we have no cognizance of
the many intricate movements it takes to communicate verbally until it is taken
away from us."
Douglas didn't consider his fate to be improved during
his initial struggles with recovery. Among other problems, he had to contend
with the reality that, initially, he could not talk.
"What is an actor who can't speak — do you wait for
silent movies to come back?" jokes Douglas. But the Hollywood great found that
even this difficult challenge was a small part in an overall struggle to reclaim
his life.
An epiphany
Douglas soon found himself in the throes of depression.
At his lowest point, he loaded the pistol he'd used in Gunfight at the OK
Corral, and placed it inside his mouth.
"I know it's melodramatic," says Douglas. "But it didn't
seem so at the time. Depression had me by the throat."
He was able to regain perspective at the last moment when
the metallic barrel of the gun bumped against his sensitive teeth. "It hurt,
and soon I found myself laughing hysterically, because I suddenly felt I was
playing a part in a movie," says Douglas.
Douglas ultimately vanquished his depression with a personal
epiphany.
"I found that when I began to think about the well-being
of other people… I began to feel better," says Douglas. "What ultimately got
me out of bed? Of course my wife and my family's support were essential, but
the most important factor was the realization that I was thinking too much about
my own misfortune."
Stroke risks
According to the National Stroke Association, (NSA) approximately
750,000 Americans have a new or recurrent stroke each year. Of the 590,000 who
survive the stroke, between 5-14% will have another stroke within one year.
The rate of having another stroke is about 10% per year thereafter.
Each decade after age 55, the risk of stroke doubles. For
adults over age 65, the risk of dying from stroke is seven times that of the
general population.
Stroke kills more than twice as many American women each
year as breast cancer. And stroke has a disproportionate effect on female mortality.
While women account for 43% of strokes each year, they suffer 62% of stroke
deaths.
A 1998 study published in Neurology also found that
women wait an average of 46% longer to seek emergency treatment for stroke symptoms.
And once women arrive at the hospital, they also wait an average of 49% longer
than men to receive treatment.
Incidence of first stroke among African Americans is almost
double that of their white counterparts. African Americans are also twice as
likely to die from their first stroke.
Act quickly when signs appear
As a result, the NSA is eager to educate the public about
the five most common stroke symptoms:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side
of the body.
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
The NSA advises that you call 911 if you see or experience
any of these symptoms. Treatment can be more effective if given quickly, and
every minute counts.
Secondary stroke prevention
One of the major risk factors for stroke is having experienced
a previous one. Of the nearly four million stroke survivors in the USA, 20%
will have another stroke within five years. Secondary strokes often have a higher
rate of death and disability because parts of the brain already injured by the
original stroke may not be as resilient.
Lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of secondary stroke
include:
- Quitting smoking
- Drinking in moderation
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a low-fat, low-sodium diet
Managing certain concurrent medical conditions will also
reduce secondary stroke risk. These include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Circulation problems
- Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat)
One surgical option for stroke prevention is a carotid
endarterectomy, the removal of plaque reducing blood flow through the carotid
arteries of the brain. Typically, the procedure is performed when it is determined
a patient suffers more than 50% blockage in these arteries.
Dr. Bruce Dobkin, professor of neurology at UCLA, says
that when it comes to prevention of a secondary stroke, individual care is essential.
"A qualified specialist needs to evaluate the specific
cause of a person's initial stroke in order to take appropriate preventative
steps," says Dobkin. "General stroke prevention guidelines are fine, but the
best treatment is far from a 'one size fits all' phenomenon."
While aspirin and other drugs are effective as an antiplatelet
medication for those at risk of strokes related to blood clots, Dobkin states
it is inadvisable for patients who have experienced hemorrhagic strokes involving
internal bleeding.
"After a specific diagnosis, it's really up to the patient
to comply with the treatment plan developed by the medical team," concludes
Dobkin.
Douglas knows that the road to recovery is a long one,
and years later he still adheres to a rigorous schedule of physical, speech,
and spiritual therapy. And he is scrupulous about taking his prescribed medications.
The acting legend is also adamant about including large doses of laughter into
each day.
In writing My Stroke of Luck, Douglas is eager to
pass on other important lessons he's learned.
"My stroke changed me into a better person — a person
whom I like. We all want happiness. I've learned we achieve happiness when we
seek the happiness and well-being of others."
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