Andrew

Andrew Stroke Survivor:

Andrew was not feeling right, in November 2010, he was feeling light headed, had frequent headaches and had a kaleidoscope effect in his vision. For a farmer working with heavy machinery and long hours this was not good and especially not safe. He was becoming more and more tired and his left leg started to give way.

His wife Rose convinced him to see the doctor. CT scans were performed immediately this was all almost too late as the following night at home Andrew lost sensation in both his arms and legs. His wife noticed he had a facial droop and was unable to recite the alphabet when asked. He had suffered a stroke.

Andrew had been suffering multiple TIA’s and after many ongoing scans and tests and about 6 weeks later a further test revealed a narrowing of an artery in the brain.

The implant of a stent to open up the artery was thought to be dangerous. Andrew needed a more complex neurosurgical procedure to bypass the narrowed blood vessel and prevent him from having a devastating stroke. This surgical procedure was formerly only available in Sydney. Fortunately neurosurgeon Dr. Amal Abou-Hamden had just returned to Adelaide after 2 years in North America where she gained expertise in this type of surgery.

Andrew was the first in Adelaide to have this difficult but permanent solution to restore blood flow to his brain and prevent him from having further strokes.

Andrew was out of hospital and home only seven days after this surgery.

The NRF with Muriel Gunn Research Trust Fund have funded Microscopic Instruments and fitted the operating microscopes with a “mouthpiece” or “neuropilot” to ensure this procedure and many more are efficient and successful. Without training, research, development and equipment, these life saving neurosurgical techniques are not possible.