Country singer Chely Wright reveals she suffered a stroke last year, says she is 'okay'

Sara M Moniuszko, USA TODAY
Singer Chely Wright attends the screening of "Wish Me Away" at on July 22, 2011 in New York.
Singer Chely Wright attends the screening of "Wish Me Away" at on July 22, 2011 in New York.

Chely Wright has revealed she suffered a stroke last year.

The country singer, 49, took to Twitter Friday to share the story about her health struggle.

"Some personal news I’m sharing for the first time," she tweeted along with an image of a longer statement.

"Exactly one year ago today, I went to the ER... because I was on Day 3 of a migraine, which isn't uncommon for me," she began. "Because I had shows booked for the coming weekend, I wanted to get this headache out of the way."

Her doctor, she writes, was "troubled" by some of her symptoms.

"After a series of diagnostic tests, I was informed that I'd had a stroke."

She had just turned 48.

"I sort of knew it. What I had been experiencing with that headache and leading up to that headache was different. I'd even said aloud to myself in the bathroom mirror, 'Did you have a stroke?' " she recalled.

Though she says it's been "a long year," she says he is "okay."

She added she is sharing her story so her followers can refresh their understanding of strokes and the symptoms.

"Pay attention to your body and encourage your loved ones to do the same," she added.

According to the Mayo Clinic, in additions to headaches, stroke symptoms include the following: trouble speaking and understanding; paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg; trouble with seeing in one or both eyes and trouble walking.

Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and diabetes.

When a stroke occurs, speed can save lives. People who get to a hospital within three hours of their first symptoms have less disability three months later than those for whom care was delayed, the CDC says.

Contributing: Ken Alltucker

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Country singer Chely Wright reveals she suffered a stroke last year