Debra Speight does not remember much about her most recent stroke.  Fortunately, the experience left no physical damage, and the symptoms that resulted in a stay at Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) have dissipated.  She has returned to her regular schedule and continues assisting in the care of her great-grandchildren.  Since having a debilitating stroke four years ago, Debra has been living with her youngest daughter and her husband, Christina and Richard Young.  Christina’s quick recognition of the signs of stroke likely assisted in Debra avoiding another damaging episode.

Debra cares for her two great-grandchildren while her granddaughter, Stephanie, is working.  Debra enjoys watching movies on the Hallmark channel after returning home from work.  Earlier this year, Christina says Debra was watching television as usual, but when Christina spoke to her, Debra spoke in a very slow manner and slurred her words.  “It sounded like a warped recording of mom’s voice that was being played back in slow motion,” Christina said.  She knew right away something was not right.  Looking for other clues that Debra could be having a stroke, Christina asked Debra to smile, squeeze her hand and finally say Christina’s name.  While Debra’s grip and facial expressions seemed unaffected, she could not say Christina’s name.  “I was getting frantic, and I started yelling to my mom, ‘Say my name.  Say my name.’”  After several moments, Debra was finally able to say “Christina” and did not fully understand why Christina was so upset.

The following day, Christina had to work, so she asked her husband, Richard, who has been working from home due to the pandemic, to pay close attention to Debra for any sign of slurred speech.  Christina still was very concerned about Debra having another stroke, so she began calling Debra to check on her as well.  During one phone call, Debra was again experiencing the slow, slurred speech.  Christina called Richard and told him to check on Debra.  Richard checked for other symptoms of stroke, but said Debra seemed fine.  Christina called a short time later and again, Debra could not speak properly.  “I thought I was speaking clearly.  I could not understand why Richard was looking at me strangely and why Christina was so concerned,” Debra shared.  Christina quickly left work and headed home.  While driving, both Christina’s sister and niece called and said they too had noticed Debra was having difficulty speaking.  

When Christina arrived home, Debra said she was fine and had been busy all day cleaning house, doing dishes and laundry.  Christina was not convinced and insisted on taking Debra to the LMH Emergency Department (ED).  Since Debra seemed a little more coherent, Christina stopped to get gas.  Debra requested a soda and a candy bar; however, when Christina returned to the car, Debra was slurring her speech again.  When Debra tried to take a drink or eat the candy bar, she started choking.  By the time the two arrived at the ED, Debra seemed fine.  The ED staff quickly admitted Debra and began testing for any damage from a stroke.  It was recommended that Debra stay the night for observation though the tests showed no indication of damage or imminent stroke warnings.

Debra was monitored during the night without event.  During a visit from Christina the following day, she began losing her focus and ability to speak.  The nurse quickly responded and called the physician.  The staff were able to stabilize Debra and care for her during the episode.  The physician found Debra in the process of having a stroke.  A major artery in the brain had a partial blockage causing her intermittent, “stuttering stroke” symptoms.  “The physician came to me and discussed our options for treatment for mom,” Christina said.  “The treatment options included adding an antiplatelet, clopidogrel, or a more risky intervention with a catheter in the brain.  We chose the medicine and saw immediate success.”  Debra quickly recovered and was happy to be able to recognize her children, swallow safely and speak normally.  

Christina was grateful that Debra had no ill effects from the stroke.  She recalls watching her mother struggle to regain her independence after the stroke four years ago.  Debra spent several weeks in the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at LMH, where she worked to learn to walk and talk again.  “That was a long recovery, but I am a fighter.  I just keep fighting to stay healthy,” Debra said.  Since that time, Christina has been diligent about understanding and recognizing the signs and symptoms of stroke.  Fast treatment can lessen the brain damage that a stroke can cause.  Knowing the signs and symptoms is vital for the quick action needed to save a life.

It has been a stressful time for Debra.  Several of her siblings and in-laws passed away within a few months of each other leaving her to grieve alone.  She is now the last surviving child from her family of nine.  Debra’s mother had suffered from mini-strokes until a major stroke caused her death.  One of Debra’s sisters also suffered a stroke that caused bleeding in the brain and death.  “I am lucky to have children who care so much about me and keep a close watch for stroke symptoms.  My children, grandchildren and great-children keep me going,” Debra said.  Debra has three children, Amy, Michele and Christina, two step-children, Eddie and Kelly, four grandchildren, Stephanie, Nathan, Crystal and Amy, and two great-grandchildren, Dustin and Olivia, who she has cared for throughout the years.  She still has some issues with her left side and suffers from minor memory loss, but is happy to continue caring for her family and spending time with them.