Brian Ingersoll Medical Assistance
Donation protected
I was saddened and overwhelmed to hear that Brian Ingersoll recently suffered a debilitating stroke and is now dealing with many urgent medical issues. As you know, when dealing with a stroke, time is of the essence.
The story:
A few weeks ago Brian had left his employment on Friday and was transitioning to a new job starting Monday morning. The night before on Sunday night Brian was awoken by Missy who was sick and needed his help (many of you know Brian has also helped Missy through much adversity dealing with her own health issues over the years). Brian quickly arose from bed and immediately fell. Regaining himself he once again tried to stand up and immediately fell again and became sick. Through the grace of God they got to a hospital. However, after waiting in emergency they finally got into see a doctor who basically gave him an aspirin and released him. A day or two later Brian still knew something was wrong and insisted Missy admit him and get him a room at the hospital. Finally tests were done confirming a stroke, but much physical damage had unfortunately been done.
Brian had initially lost the ability to swallow, speak and move his arms and legs. He currently has double vision in each of his eyes and it's quad when both eyes are open. He's still experiencing lack of sleep due to extreme nerve pain, some arm and leg paralysis and being quite weak due to the after effects of the stroke. With his positive attitude and strong will he has fought back in a very short time learning to swallow again and talk. Although still a bit hoarse, he doesn't slur and it's getting stronger. He is doing his own physical therapy every day at home . Affording to get more effective treatments however and/or a nurse/therapist into assist him during the week would facilitate his recovery. They say whatever you cannot get back within 4-6 months will most likely remain as permanent damage so time is urgent and finances crucial since there's currently no insurance.
The medical diagnosis he now faces is "Wallenberg's Syndrome" (I've added some information below to explain the syndrome) which Brian says he literally experiences every single symptom on the list. Brian of course laughs and says he remembers it because it reminds him of "Wahlberger's" (Mark Wahlberg's), burger joint lol...
Lastly, Brian is one of the proudest and as you can imagine not all that comfortable with a campaign to generate money on his behalf. Knowing how determined he is to recover, it breaks my heart to think his recovery could be limited by financial constraints and the realism of such a short timeline for recovery.
Please try to assist with a donation in any way you can. Anything will help. They're also sending tons of love up north to their large supportive Pulaski family!
Thank You and God bless you all on behalf of Brian and Missy.
What is Wallenberg's Syndrome?
Wallenberg’s syndrome is a neurological condition caused by a stroke in the vertebral or posterior inferior cerebellar artery of the brain stem. Symptoms include difficulties with swallowing, hoarseness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, rapid involuntary movements of the eyes (nystagmus), and problems with balance and gait coordination. Some individuals will experience a lack of pain and temperature sensation on only one side of the face, or a pattern of symptoms on opposite sides of the body – such as paralysis or numbness in the right side of the face, with weak or numb limbs on the left side. Uncontrollable hiccups may also occur, and some individuals will lose their sense of taste on one side of the tongue, while preserving taste sensations on the other side. Some people with Wallenberg’s syndrome report that the world seems to be tilted in an unsettling way, which makes it difficult to keep their balance when they walk.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment for Wallenberg's syndrome is symptomatic. A feeding tube may be necessary if swallowing is very difficult. Speech/swallowing therapy may be beneficial. In some cases, medication may be used to reduce or eliminate pain. Some doctors report that the anti-epileptic drug gabapentin appears to be an effective medication for individuals with chronic pain.
What is the prognosis?
The outlook for someone with Wallenberg’s syndrome depends upon the size and location of the area of the brain stem damaged by the stroke. Some individuals may see a decrease in their symptoms within weeks or months. Others may be left with significant neurological disabilities for years after the initial symptoms appeared.
What research is being done?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research related to Wallenberg’s syndrome in its laboratories at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and also supports additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country. Much of this research focuses on finding better ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure disorders such as Wallenberg’s syndrome.
The story:
A few weeks ago Brian had left his employment on Friday and was transitioning to a new job starting Monday morning. The night before on Sunday night Brian was awoken by Missy who was sick and needed his help (many of you know Brian has also helped Missy through much adversity dealing with her own health issues over the years). Brian quickly arose from bed and immediately fell. Regaining himself he once again tried to stand up and immediately fell again and became sick. Through the grace of God they got to a hospital. However, after waiting in emergency they finally got into see a doctor who basically gave him an aspirin and released him. A day or two later Brian still knew something was wrong and insisted Missy admit him and get him a room at the hospital. Finally tests were done confirming a stroke, but much physical damage had unfortunately been done.
Brian had initially lost the ability to swallow, speak and move his arms and legs. He currently has double vision in each of his eyes and it's quad when both eyes are open. He's still experiencing lack of sleep due to extreme nerve pain, some arm and leg paralysis and being quite weak due to the after effects of the stroke. With his positive attitude and strong will he has fought back in a very short time learning to swallow again and talk. Although still a bit hoarse, he doesn't slur and it's getting stronger. He is doing his own physical therapy every day at home . Affording to get more effective treatments however and/or a nurse/therapist into assist him during the week would facilitate his recovery. They say whatever you cannot get back within 4-6 months will most likely remain as permanent damage so time is urgent and finances crucial since there's currently no insurance.
The medical diagnosis he now faces is "Wallenberg's Syndrome" (I've added some information below to explain the syndrome) which Brian says he literally experiences every single symptom on the list. Brian of course laughs and says he remembers it because it reminds him of "Wahlberger's" (Mark Wahlberg's), burger joint lol...
Lastly, Brian is one of the proudest and as you can imagine not all that comfortable with a campaign to generate money on his behalf. Knowing how determined he is to recover, it breaks my heart to think his recovery could be limited by financial constraints and the realism of such a short timeline for recovery.
Please try to assist with a donation in any way you can. Anything will help. They're also sending tons of love up north to their large supportive Pulaski family!
Thank You and God bless you all on behalf of Brian and Missy.
What is Wallenberg's Syndrome?
Wallenberg’s syndrome is a neurological condition caused by a stroke in the vertebral or posterior inferior cerebellar artery of the brain stem. Symptoms include difficulties with swallowing, hoarseness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, rapid involuntary movements of the eyes (nystagmus), and problems with balance and gait coordination. Some individuals will experience a lack of pain and temperature sensation on only one side of the face, or a pattern of symptoms on opposite sides of the body – such as paralysis or numbness in the right side of the face, with weak or numb limbs on the left side. Uncontrollable hiccups may also occur, and some individuals will lose their sense of taste on one side of the tongue, while preserving taste sensations on the other side. Some people with Wallenberg’s syndrome report that the world seems to be tilted in an unsettling way, which makes it difficult to keep their balance when they walk.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment for Wallenberg's syndrome is symptomatic. A feeding tube may be necessary if swallowing is very difficult. Speech/swallowing therapy may be beneficial. In some cases, medication may be used to reduce or eliminate pain. Some doctors report that the anti-epileptic drug gabapentin appears to be an effective medication for individuals with chronic pain.
What is the prognosis?
The outlook for someone with Wallenberg’s syndrome depends upon the size and location of the area of the brain stem damaged by the stroke. Some individuals may see a decrease in their symptoms within weeks or months. Others may be left with significant neurological disabilities for years after the initial symptoms appeared.
What research is being done?
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) conducts research related to Wallenberg’s syndrome in its laboratories at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and also supports additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country. Much of this research focuses on finding better ways to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure disorders such as Wallenberg’s syndrome.
Organizer and beneficiary
Malinda Smith
Organizer
Central Square, NY
Melissa Hoylman
Beneficiary