Hi all. I had a small stroke 10 years ago when I was 27. It was caused by a PFO which I’ve since had closed. I was very lucky and the stroke only left me with a small scotoma to the right of centre so I can still do all normal life stuff and would class myself 99% recovered. My question is around what happens to the brain cells that were affected by the stroke? My neurologist at the time told me that those cells had died and are now just dead tissue in the brain. Lately Ive been having head pain around the site of the stroke (left side occipital lobe) and I wonder if these ‘dead cells’ have anything to do with it? Can these cells affect other healthy cells in the brain? I developed severe health anxiety since the stroke which I have to work on every day. I try not to disturb medical professionals too often so thanks to anyone who may know the answer to this.
Hiya sorry to hear this, I’ve no medical advice maybe contact your consultant or GP, we end up thinking all kinds of worries once we’ve had a stroke, best to find out medically to help with your anxiety over this?
Hello @helsmc86 - Nice to e-meet you 
Welcome to this community and thank you for sharing your experience with us. It’s always good to learn from experiences of others and often benefit from it too.
I learned today that a PFO “a patent foramen ovale, a congenital heart defect where a hole between the heart’s chambers doesn’t close properly after birth, can increase the risk of stroke”.
I too have wondered what happens to the brain cells that are killed or damaged by a stroke and I have to confess right now an answer to that question is not jumping out at me. That could mean I did know it once but I have now forgotten it, which happens with me, or it might be that I have never found the answer.
I think you might be help yourself, me and others who may equally be in the dark.
Your stroke was 10 years ago and you say you have recovered 99% which is great. You may be on medication to reduce of risk of further strokes and you may be leading a healthy lifestyle, but I think the fact you are asking the question and because you are experiencing head pain you should definitely go straight to your GP and get a referral to see a stroke specialist.
When it comes to your health, I don’t think you can disturb the health professionals too much - it’s their job
Of course you can wait to see if someone responds on here with an answer that may allay your fears, or possibly search on the internet, but is it not better to make use of the resources available to you?
It may be that another brain scan is needed to see what’s going on.
My own view is that after 10 years your body will have tried to repair itself and it may have managed to remove some of the dead cells as the body is an amazing thing, but it does sometimes need help.
I personally would be knocking on my GPs door and asking for a referral. However, the choice is yours.
Namaste|
Hi & welcome to the community @helsmc86
Good to hear you are 99% recovered from your stroke & that you are able to live a full life.
I too thought that the brain cells died and do not regenerate. I can’t remember where I heard that though. Probably my stroke dr.
I agree with @ManjiB any new persistent headaches, especially 10 years after your stroke, should be checked out by your GP. They would rather you disturbed them and there be nothing wrong than you didn’t contact them & you should have done.
Best wishes
Ann