Bret Michaes of Poison performs at Westown in Bay City in 2006.
(MyBayCity File Photo by Julie Munger-McCallum)

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What Can We Learn From Bret Michaels?

May 23, 2010
By: Stacy Sawyer

      When rocker Bret Michaels described to Oprah Winfrey the pain from his subarachnoid hemorrhage "...just exploded instantly - ran from my temple down to the back of my skull," he was describing a classic symptom of a brain injury or stroke.


      His recovery is reported to be going very well. Yet it brings to mind the importance of knowing the signs of stroke. Would you recognize a stroke and know what to do?

      Stroke is a medical emergency and can happen to anyone, at any time and at any age. Know these warning signs of stroke and teach them to others: sudden numbness or weakness of the 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, or sudden, severe headache with no known cause. If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay! Immediately call 9-1-1.

Stacy Sawyer
Communications Director -- American Heart Association
989-225-7513 (cell)
517-349-3240 (fax)

I invite your questions and feedback.