Speech loss before AVM rupture

Hey everyone!

I hope you’re all doing well.

I’m just curious to know whether anyone had speech difficulties (stuttering etc) before their AVM bleed or before their AVM was found?

I had a stutter before my rupture (along with “an area of underdevelopment” noted in a report following some brain scans I had done when I was a kid), so I just wondered if anyone has had a similar experience.

Also, if anyone knows of any neuro specialists who are knowledgeable on speech loss and avms, please let me know. I’ve asked my neurologist if he thought my speech issues were related to my AVM and he said “probably” not…even though speech loss was listed as a symptom in the booklet we’d received from the unit haha! Would just be great to get clarity on that topic.

Thanks!

All the best,
Ali

Welcome Ali! Hopefully we’ll be able ti provide some info for you. I didn’t have any indicators of an AVM before it decided to show itself via bleed. So can’t provide any similar experiences, but likely someone from the group will be able to. Once again welcome, and happy to have you wit us!

Take Care,
John

Before the AVM was found yes, but it was caused by the rupture/hemorrhage

I lost my speech completely until my blood pressure was semi stabilized

Prior to the bleed - no speech loss. But, blurred vision, spinal fluid coming out of my nose once(about 3 months prior to my bleed), pulsatile tenitus in my left ear & migraine like headaches

Thanks for the response! Very helpful info.

So sorry you had to experience those symptoms :frowning: how are you doing now?

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Hey John! Thank you for the welcome :slight_smile: and thanks so much for sharing! This platform has already answered a lot of my questions.

How’s things with you now?

All the best,
Ali

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Hey,

Thanks for letting me know! Did you ever get any explanation as to why you weren’t speaking? And was there a particular speech problem you had? Like struggling to get the words out or having issues with knowing the right words to say?

All the best,
Ali

Things are good with me right now, really no GK side effects but some from the bleed. I have adapted and no one would know unless I told them. I put a lot f effort into trying to maintain a heathy lifestyle which I think helps.

Excellent! 99% deficit free - just a slight tad of numbness in my right leg & two outer right hand fingers

It was definitely life changing, how I felt to how I feel now

Ahh, really glad to hear that! Amazing that you didn’t have side effects. I’m having GK surgery next week! I’m feeling alright about it to be honest, I think because I’ve had to wait so long for it since my bleed I’m just so ready to move forward!

I’m so happy for you! Your efforts have clearly paid off. I’m starting to get myself into a better routine, waking up early has been a bit of a nightmare but I’m slowly getting there.

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That’s brilliant! Hopefully the remaining numbness will disappear soon, how long ago was it since you had your bleed?

I can definitely relate to that! I’m sure you see the world in a different light now! I certainly do :slight_smile: definitely more grateful for what I have and will eventually be making the most out of life!

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Just over two years ago, and my numbness now is quite minimal

Main thing I do notice is when I drive my tow truck or a bigger vehicle, my right leg(the one with the slight numbness) falls asleep - that’s when it’s a bit rough. It takes a little bit of time for it to wake up at times. It’s like from the blood circulation being cut off - I think