Understanding Strokes and Their Impact on Celebrities
Strokes can happen to anyone at any age, even celebrities who seemingly have access to top-notch healthcare. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die from lack of oxygen. The effects of a stroke depend on the location and severity of the blockage in the brain.
Types of Strokes
There are two main types of strokes:
- Ischemic stroke - A blood clot that blocks blood flow to the brain causes this. It accounts for about 87% of all strokes.
- Hemorrhagic stroke - This happens when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or ruptures, causing bleeding into brain tissue. High blood pressure and aneurysms can cause this type of stroke.
Stroke Warning Signs
Knowing the signs of a stroke is critical for getting prompt treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
- Vision problems in one or both eyes
- Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
- Severe headache with no known cause
Celebrities Who Had Strokes
Even with access to great doctors and medical care, many beloved actors, musicians and more have suffered strokes over the years. Here are some of their stories.
Kirk Douglas
Legendary actor Kirk Douglas suffered a severe stroke in 1996 at age 80. It left him with paralysis on the left side of his body and damaged his ability to speak. With extensive speech therapy he was able to make a full recovery, which he credits to his determination and will to get back to making movies.
Sharon Stone
In 2001 at age 43, actress Sharon Stone suffered a rare type of stroke called a subarachnoid hemorrhage. This type of stroke is caused by bleeding into the space surrounding the brain rather than within the brain itself. Stone says she felt like she had been "shot in the head." The stroke left her with short-term memory loss and a two-year recovery period.
Jayne Mansfield
1950s blond bombshell Jayne Mansfield suffered a minor stroke while performing in Biloxi, Mississippi in 1967 when she was just 34 years old. After being rushed to the hospital, she made a full recovery. Tragically, she died just two years later in a horrible car accident.
Elton John
While on tour in Europe in 2012, legendary rocker Elton John was hospitalized after suffering a rare appendix abscess which triggered a life-threatening seizure. Part of his intensive treatment involved surgery and a significant period of recovery time before he could get back on stage to perform his iconic hits.
Emilia Clarke
"Game of Thrones" actress Emilia Clarke revealed in 2019 that she has suffered from two brain aneurysms over the years - once in 2011 after filming her first season on "GoT" and again in 2013. An aneurysm causes an artery in the brain to weaken and balloon out. If it ruptures it causes bleeding around the brain which can be life-threatening. Clarke was able to recover after surgery and treatment both times.
Risk Factors for Strokes
Understanding the risk factors for strokes can help people of all ages, even celebrities, take preventative action whenever possible. Risks that can increase chance of a stroke include:
- High blood pressure - the #1 risk factor
- Cigarette smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Poor diet and lack of exercise
- Excess alcohol consumption
- Family history of strokes
Preventing a Stroke
While some risk factors can't be controlled, taking certain preventative measures can greatly reduce stroke risk:
- Monitoring and controlling blood pressure
- Eating a balanced, healthy diet low in sodium
- Exercising for 30+ minutes daily
- Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake
- Taking medications as prescribed
Life After a Stroke
Surviving and recovering from a stroke can be very challenging, but many celebrities serve as inspiring examples. With extensive rehabilitation involving speech therapy, physical therapy and more, the brain can adapt and regain lost abilities over time. Support from loved ones also helps enormously in the recovery process.
Other famous names who have experienced and recovered from strokes include actors Randy Travis, Diane Keaton and Michael Moriarty as well as amenities like Curtis Mayfield and Bret Michaels. Their stories serve as reminders that with prompt treatment, determination and support, overcoming this devastating condition is possible.
FAQs
What are the main types of strokes?
The two main types of strokes are ischemic (caused by a blocked blood vessel) which accounts for about 87% of strokes, and hemorrhagic (caused by bleeding in the brain) which makes up the other 13% of strokes.
What celebrities had strokes at relatively young ages?
Some celebrities who suffered strokes at less than 50 years old include actress Sharon Stone at 43, actress Emilia Clarke in her 20s, and 1950's actress Jayne Mansfield at 34 years old.
What side effects or impairments can strokes cause?
Common impairments from strokes include paralysis or weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking or understanding speech, vision issues, dizziness, balance and coordination problems, and short term memory issues.
How do people recover and rehabilitate after strokes?
Recovering from a stroke often involves extensive rehabilitation with speech, occupational, and physical therapy. With time and effort, the brain can adapt and regain some or many of its lost abilities. Support from loved ones also aids recovery.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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