Surviving Vertebral Artery Dissection: Navigating the Hidden Impact on Body, Mind, and Soul
- everythinghealthsp
- Sep 11, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 22, 2024
Understanding Vertebral Artery Dissection: A Personal Account
On a hectic workday, I was under pressure to submit a crucial proposal to the FDA. The office was bustling with activity, and I was feeling the weight of my responsibility to meet project deadlines.
Initially, I dismissed my headache as stress-induced, attributing it to the urgency of the situation. However, once the proposal was submitted, the pain in the back and top of my head became unbearable, unlike anything I had experienced before. Concerned about this intense headache, I sought medical help.
After seeking medical help from my primary care physician and being prescribed pain medication, my condition did not improve, leading to increasing anxiety.
Despite planning a holiday in Portugal to rest and recover, my arrival was met with difficulty as I was suffering from severe headaches. I was subsequently admitted to Hospital de Santa Maria in Lisbon, where it was discovered after a week of research, that I had a dissected vertebral artery. I struggled to comprehend the doctor's explanation of the situation and the implications of experiencing a VAD. It has been 8 years since then, and the concealed battle continues.
What is a vertebral artery dissection (VAD)? It happens when the inner layers of a part of the vertebral (or carotid) artery in the neck separate abruptly from the outer layers, leading to detachment of the inner layer from the thicker, more resilient outer layers of the artery. These arteries are responsible for supplying essential blood to the brain. Typically, each individual has a dominant vertebral artery, which is the main artery carrying blood to the brain. In my case, the VAD occurred in a hypoplastic artery (less developed), but the resulting effects have a significant impact on one's life. Imagine the consequences if it were to happen in a dominant artery.
For those interested in knowing more about this invisible condition or for individuals impacted by it, the Carotid and Vertebral Artery Dissection - A Guide for Survivors and Their Loved Ones could be beneficial. The guide discusses the initial treatment recommended by doctors.
Understanding the Hidden Impact
The human body is an intricate tapestry of interconnected systems, each playing a crucial role in maintaining our well-being. However, what happens when a tiny but vital part of this complex machinery faces a formidable challenge?
What effects does this condition have on the individual and what difficulties does it present?
My own encounters result in frequent headaches, mental exhaustion, dizziness, fainting, queasiness, memory lapses, trouble with speech, difficulty swallowing, visual disturbances, stroke-like signs, oscillopsia, and Horner's syndrome. Luckily, certain symptoms, like visual disturbances, stroke-like signs, Horner's syndrome, and oscillopsia, have diminished over time.
However, the unfortunate reality is that brain fatigue and headaches tends to worsen as you age, which does not help the situation.
The concealed effects of a Vertebral Artery Dissection can pose, therefore, tough challenges to our body, mind, and soul.
The Physical Battleground
At the core of this struggle lies the physical battleground where the body contends with the aftermath of Vertebral Artery Dissection. From compromised blood flow to neurological symptoms, the physical repercussions of this condition demand resilience and unwavering fortitude. Each step towards recovery is a testament to the body's remarkable ability to heal and adapt in the face of adversity.
I frequently applied Copaiba and Helichrysum essential oils to alleviate my headaches by gently massaging a small amount onto the area of discomfort. Copaiba is an anti-inflammatory, wound healing and analgesic. Helicrysum can reduce symptoms of pain, swelling and redness. Additionally, these two oils are beneficial for promoting better sleep and reducing anxiety. From among the offers at Amazon, I recommend the organic and pure concentrated versions for VAD sufferers.
The Mind’s Odyssey
Beyond the physical realm, lies the mind’s odyssey—a journey fraught with uncertainty, resilience, and hope. The impact of Vertebral Artery Dissection reverberates through the mind, challenging one's emotional resilience and mental fortitude. Coping with the unseen battles within one's psyche requires strength, patience, and a profound understanding of the mind-body connection.
Surviving and succeeding in the workplace can be a major challenge in a profit-driven world.
Nurturing the Soul
In the depths of adversity, the soul seeks solace and renewal in God. The journey of nurturing the soul amidst the trials of this condition encompasses moments of reflection, healing, and spiritual growth that pave the way towards inner peace and acceptance.
During my healing journey, I discovered that prayer to God was the most enlightening aspect, leading to a complete transformation within myself. I have found that prayer holds the key to all challenges, giving me assurance for the future knowing that God accompanies me every step of the way, offering assistance upon request. God suffice.
Embracing Resilience
As individuals tread the path of recovery and healing in the aftermath of Vertebral Artery Dissection, they embody the essence of resilience and strength. Each step taken towards regaining health and well-being is a testament to the unwavering spirit that resides within the human soul—a spirit that transcends the confines of the seen and reveals the beauty of resilience in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, navigating the hidden impact of Vertebral Artery Dissection is a transformative journey that encompasses the body’s resilience, the mind’s endurance, and the soul’s wisdom. Despite the challenges posed by this condition, individuals emerge stronger, more resilient, and with a deeper appreciation for the intricate balance of body, mind, and soul.
Remember, in the unseen battles that life presents, the light of resilience shines brightest.
Thank you for reading this informative piece on the impact of Vertebral Artery Dissection. Stay resilient, stay strong. Trust in the Creator, He has a plan for each one of His chosen ones.
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