Rocky Burke

Strokes can happen to anyone at any age. According to the American Heart Association, every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke. World Stoke Day reminds us about the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and knowing how to respond.

Like many patients, Rocky Burke did not realize he was having a stroke nor did he know the symptoms. “I was just living my normal life,” said the military veteran and retired teacher. “Suddenly I woke up in an ambulance.”

He had suffered memory loss and wound up on the side of the road when highway rangers found him and called his wife to pick him up. Memory loss is a sign of stroke, but Rocky was unaware at the time.

As a result of the stroke, his right leg, right arm, and the left half of his face were paralyzed. He was taken to Methodist Hospital | Texsan where he is recovering and undergoing physical therapy.

Rocky said the team at this hospital has been “awesome and very helpful.” He has worked with speech, physical and occupational therapists. Nurses also educated the couple on exercise regimens for home therapy.

“I am super lucky,” he said. He now realizes the importance of diet, exercise and proper medical care, such as keeping up with his high blood pressure treatment. Rocky has shown great progress — he is up and walking with assistance. Nursing staff are very impressed with the progress Rocky has made while being in the hospital. "I am very grateful for this hospital," says Rocky. "I love these guys and girls, they are extremely attentive."

Knowledge is power and we encourage everyone to learn the F.A.S.T. warning signs of stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911. Other stroke symptoms include numbness of the face, arm or leg, confusion, vision impairment, trouble walking and severe headache.

Stroke is largely treatable. It’s a matter of getting the right treatment, right away.

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