Senator Karen E. Spilka Reveals She Suffered Mild Stroke

Following is a recent statement from the Senator’s office:

I want to thank everyone who wished me well this past month during my recovery. Your support is greatly appreciated and continues to be a source of strength.

I have advocated for people to share their personal stories my whole career, and so, I decided today to share my experience as well. In mid-November, I was diagnosed by my doctors as having had a mild stroke. My symptoms, a severe headache and nausea, were not the typical signs of stroke. As they worsened, I canceled a planned trip to Washington, D.C. on November 15. The next day, I sought medical care. I returned to working in a remote capacity the following day and have been working with colleagues and staff throughout my recovery. I am feeling stronger every day, and my doctors expect a full recovery within a matter of weeks. I am grateful to the medical professionals I have worked with for their assistance, especially as many have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic to care for those with COVID-19.

I wanted to share my story today in a televised interview, accompanied by this statement, because I wanted people to see firsthand that I’m doing well. I also feel it would be a missed opportunity not to speak up. I hope that by telling my story, I can help raise awareness about those who have survived and thrived after experiencing stroke, and encourage those who are experiencing symptoms to seek help immediately.

I am proud of what we have accomplished in the Senate and energized by the work ahead to support the residents of our Commonwealth. We have important work to do on mental health care, childcare, our climate and much more. As we move into a new year, I look forward to running for re-election in 2022 and having the opportunity once again to lead the Senate as Senate President.

I would like to thank my family for always being there for me as well as my Senate colleagues, my staff, and my partners in government for their continued support.

Stroke Symptoms

By learning and sharing the F.A.S.T. warning signs, you just might save a life from stroke.

Call 911 if these signs are present

F.A.S.T. Warning Signs: Use the letters in F.A.S.T to spot a Stroke

• F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?

• A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

• S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?

• T = Time to call 911

Other Stroke Symptoms

Watch for Sudden:

• NUMBNESS or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body

• CONFUSION, trouble speaking or understanding speech