Michael
Thursday, February 23, 2012
By: Judy McMillan

Survivor

Overcoming pediatric stroke

Michael had a stroke at the age of 15. He is now 18 and will  graduate high school. He no longer suffers the physical limitations of his stroke but Michael continues to suffer with cognitive issues. This has resulted in people not always understanding.

Michael's stroke occured when he was a freshman in high school. Initially he had right sided weakness, his vision was effected and his balance and coordination were off. He has made a full recovery physically but he still struggles with cognitive issues. His memory has been effected, he becomes depressed and overwhelmed at times. He struggles academically now, rather than being the A/B student he was prior to the stroke.

Once the physical signs disappeared, people often thought he was "all better". This has made it difficult for people to understand when Michael struggles academically or when he becomes overwhelmed and withdrawn. Michael has been on the receiving end of bullying from coaches and teachers. They feel like he is "milking" his situation because he looks fine.

Michael has been working on bringing awareness to the community that strokes can happen at any age and that the cognitive issues that occur after a stroke can be just as devastating as the physical.