Brain Attack

Brain attack:

several months ago I suffered a bout of Bell’s Palsy, the left side of my face was locked into a tight and unresponsive position, losing my ability to even briefly hold a smile. Fortunately, my condition cleared fairly quickly and completely, my normal smile, and with much reason, has returned. A notion that has stayed with me, replaying in memory, is the phrase used as I wheeled through the emergency on a wheelchair, being treated as a possible stroke patient and the repeated declaration of a “brain attack” coming through and the quick response of by doctors and nurse upon hearing these words. It was both frightening and reassuring at once, that here was a team of highly trained professionals ready to take the proper action as soon as this term was used — yet hearing myself being referred to as a victim of a brain attack, my own most valued instrument turned against, had me feeling scared and vulnerable. I remember attempting a smile and telling one doctor what a scary term they used, and she smiled in returned and said that had never considered it so, it was used for an immediate call for action. It certainly worked and I’m happy that it did, a truly wonderful team of professionals literally leaped in care and concern for my condition. If it had really been a brain attack, a stroke, a quick response is imperative and was what this team had given. I offer my gratitude in return.