One day in March 2025, having taken my shower (a brief cold shower followed by a hot shower) and proceeded to breakfast, I found I was unable to speak. Not a word could I articulate.
I thought I was having a Silent Migraine, for such occasionally affect me. A Silent Migraine is one which causes cognitive disturbance, such as brain fog or mild disturbance of vision, but no headache.
My present event was a total brain fog. Yes, I see could clearly and understand everything, but I could find not a word.
Well, my silent migraines are quickly cured: 100 mg of Niacin (Vitamine B3) and a walk in the garden clears it in ten minutes.
So, silently gesturing to my wife, I took my Niacin, with a drink of water, had my porridge, and set out for a walk in the Botanic Gardens. An hour later, my Migraine had not cleared, but I took a rest and was confident that the migraine would clear soon.
I thought the best thing to do was to visit the Irish Life Insurance clinic, so I got my car and set off
Now, I am always a bit unsure as to where exactly this is: is it the second roundabout or is there another, and is it perhaps the second exit? I would trust on finding the right one by sight. Well, today, I made a mistake. Believing that a sign saying "Clinic" whatever, would be one, I parked in that clinic, but, no, it was the wrong one. I showed the receptionist my card for "Irish Life Insurance," and she cleverly showed me how to find the right clinic.
Next, I had to negotiate myself through the gated carpark, and thought I might have difficulty deciphering the password, but, by the grace of God, because I had been there before, the gate opened automatically. Very good and well.
I had by this time figured out a few words, and had written "BRAIN FOG" on a slip of paper. I proceeded to the receptionist of the clinic, and said, "I have a Brain Fog." The receptionist said "Haven't we all?
" I said "Can You Help Me?" She said, "Do you want see a doctor?" and I said "Yes." So I handed her my identity cards, which she processed and told me to wait for the doctor to call.
The doctor got a technician to examine my eyes, ears, legs, arms, blood-pressure, ecg, and so on, and then asked me, "What can I do for you?" I said, "I have a Brain Fog." He said, "I am afraid it is a bit worse than that: I suspect you have had a Stroke, so I want to send you by ambulance to the the Accident and Emergency department in the Mater Hospital." With my car sitting outside, I thought it would be best if I drove back to home, and said so.
"O no!, he said, you won't be driving anywhere; hand me over your keys."
He was surprised that I had come all by myself, and soon organised my wife, son and sister-in-law to take care of me and deliver me to the Mater A and E.
Many examinations, scans, exrays, ecgs and blood-tests later, I was taken to the Stroke Ward, where I resided for several days.
