Eye on Health: PHM teacher’s story proves stroke knows no age limits
Andrew Nemeth was teaching choir at Penn High School when dizziness struck. He dismissed feeling lightheaded for perhaps just being dehydrated. When a colleague noticed his slurred speech at lunch. After talking to the school nurse, they called 911.
At just 36, Andrew never expected to experience a stroke, but the Beacon Stroke Team quickly administered medication to dissolve a clot in his brain. The clot, they discovered, was caused by a small hole in his heart that never closed after birth. “I definitely was not thinking that I was having a stroke,” Andrew said, especially considering stroke does not run in his family.
Today, he is grateful for having made significant strides in regaining his energy. “And honestly, I’m just more grateful for my opportunity at life.”
Andrew’s story proves strokes can happen to anyone, anytime and at any age. Quick recognition and immediate care made all the difference. Hear more from Andrew and Dr. Jose Luis Lopez, Medical Director, Beacon Stroke Program, in the WSBT Eye on Health story below.
And during this National Stroke Awareness Month, commit to memory the acronym BE FAST — B for balance, E for eyes, F for facial drooping, A for arm weakness, S for changes in speech and T is time to call 911.
Recognizing these main signs of stroke could mean all the difference for you or someone you love.
Beacon heart, vascular and stroke care
Beacon is first in the region for performing the most heart procedures annually. We were the first thrombectomy-capable stroke center in Indiana — the only one within 70 miles. Ours is the only regional program with specially trained structural heart therapy specialists. And we are the regional leader in complex valve reconstruction, with more than 20 years of experience in this minimally invasive valve repair procedure.
Get started today and make a plan for a healthier heart and body. Talk to your primary care provider to discuss screenings. From surgical specialists to care coordinators, our heart and vascular care team puts heart and soul into everything they do, working together for the patient.
