COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – May is stroke awareness month. Strokes are the fifth most common cause of death in the United States.
NBC4’s Jerod Smalley suffered a stroke patent foramen ovale (PFO) – basically, a hole in the heart, and that gap can allow for blood to clot. Nearly one in four people have a PFO, but clearly far fewer actually have a stroke.
A young woman from central Ohio was among those who did, and that was merely the start of her stroke journey.
On June 14, 2016. Hillary Hoxworth woke up as a 23-year-old college grad, weeks away from starting law school at Ohio State University.
"It was all coming together then it came a little crashing down," Hillary said.
Hoxworth suffered a stroke caused by a PFO, which is far more common among young people.
"Those in the know in the stroke world understand that it does not matter how you look, how you act, how you feel. Strokes can happen to anyone," said Doctor B.J. Hicks.
Hillary endured physical and speech therapy for years and still manages some weakness on her left side.
Her mother, Suzanne, was always by her side. but two years ago, their roles reversed.
"She calls me and she says, I don't feel so good and I have numbing in my arms and I said you're having a stroke, go to the hospital," Hillary said.
"In 4 minutes. I lost use of most of my left side," Suzanne said.
While Suzanne's stroke was not caused by a PFO, it's a reminder that genetic factors can weigh heavily on stroke risk.
"One might have a propensity towards high blood pressure. One might have a propensity towards high cholesterol. So there can be a hereditary component," Dr. Hicks said.
Hillary and Suzanne are now both strong stroke prevention advocates, because they're among the fortunate survivors.
"Since I can speak, I'm going to speak. That's how I'm can make it up to the people who can't," Hillary said.
The key symptoms of stroke are known by the acronym "be fast." If one experiences balance issues, blurred eyesight, facial weakness, arm weakness or speech difficulty -- it’s time to call 911.
