Symptoms of a Stroke

Divabetic

Divabetic inspiration, R & B legend, Luther Vandross suffered a stroke in 2003. Luther had been living with type 2 diabetes for over 20 years. He battled weight problems for years while suffering from diabetes and hypertension.

He was arguably the most celebrated R&B balladeer of his generation. He made women swoon with his silky yet forceful tenor, which he often revved up like a motor engine before reaching his beautiful crescendos.

“Luther was the greatest, because he started out in the business as a background singer, so his sessions were always so much fun. He always had the greatest background singers,” said Darlene Love

A person with diabetes is at higher risk than others for stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. As with many of the health problems associated with diabetes, higher-than-normal blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are factors. For those with diabetes, the important thing to do when it comes to reducing stroke risk is to keep blood sugars within the target range.

I remember that Luther complained of having severe headaches for several days prior to his stroke. You can say that life got in the way of his health when he had the stroke because he was preparing to release two albums, “Dance With My Father” and “Live From Radio City” as well as redecorating his New York City at the time. With so much going on, I don’t think he was really paying attention to any of the warning signs.

According to the American Stroke Association’s website, “A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot [ischemic stroke] or bursts [hemorrhagic stroke]. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood (and oxygen) it needs, so it starts to die.”

Strokes happen suddenly and require immediate medical attention. Treatment within 60 minutes of the first symptoms often leads to a good prognosis. Unfortunately, several hours passed after his stroke before he was able to receive treatment.

If deprived of oxygen for more than a few minutes, brain cells begin to die. The longer the stroke lasts, the greater the damage to the brain.

Here are some common warning signs for a stroke:

Numbness or weakness in one leg, arm or side of the face

Difficulty walking or keeping balance, or extreme dizziness

Confusion or difficulty talking or understanding others

Double vision

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) are a form of mini-stroke. The symptoms are the same as for a full-blown stroke, but they don’t last as long — often only a few minutes to an hour. TIAs are warning signs that a bigger stroke could follow.

After Luther suffered a stroke in 2003, he stopped making public appearances — but amazingly managed to continue his recording career. In 2004, he captured four Grammys as a sentimental favorite, including best song for the bittersweet “Dance With My Father.”

Vandross, who was in a wheelchair at the time, delivered a videotaped thank you.

“Remember, when I say goodbye it’s never for long,” said a weak-looking Vandross. “Because” — he broke into his familiar hit — “I believe in the power of love.”

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