“I was up all night reading. I laughed, cried and my heart was touched. My friend recently began to ignore me and doesn’t want me to visit.... Your blog really made me see what a survivor sees and feel what they feel. Because of your willingness to share, I now know that I’m doing the right thing by hanging in there.” —Jada Thompson, a Reader “Oh Joyce.... Really touched my heart. There are no “happy words” to make this “better”. But you are facing it head-on, win or lose, and that says so much about your character.” —Anna Bofill, IT Professional “Takes my breath away. Powerful beyond words. Really a gem!” —Judy Freeman, Retired Teacher You have expanded my knowledge greatly! Keep up the good research and writing! —Laurel Nichols, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital “I was a reporter and I won an AP award [for an] editorial in ‘99.... I’m damaged goods and words fail me, sort of a blank slate.... I keep pluggin’ away, nose in the dictionary and thesaurus, hunting out words. I’m unsinkable.” —Mickie Roller, Stroke Survivor

For many years, stroke was viewed as an inevitable consequence of getting old. For stroke patients there seemed little to be done, except making them more comfortable.Things have begun to change, moving towards better treatment and care for stroke through specialist services and key interventions, such as stroke units, immediate scanning, thrombolysis and Early Supported Discharge.The publication of the NAO report 'Reducing Brain Damage: Faster Access to Better Stroke Care (HC 452)' in November 2005 highlighted how these developments can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of stroke care. As a result, the Department of Health is working to develop a comprehensive national stroke strategy, crossing prevention, urgent care, hospital care, community support and social care.This publication 'Joining Forces to Deliver Improved Stroke Care' sets out recommendations from expert project groups for a new national stroke care strategy, while also examining key messages and examples of good practice arising from the October 2006 'Joining Forces to Deliver Improved Stroke Care' conference hosted by the NAO

This book tells the full story of stroke through the experiences of many who were 'eye' witnesses to this long process.

A woman recounts the horror of waking up paralyzed, unable to call for help. A man has a mini-stroke and refuses to listen to his doctor, only to suffer a disabling stroke soon after. A physician recalls watching a tiny baby in the throws of a stroke, convulsing violently. A survivor rejoices after finally crossing the street before the pedestrian lights change back. Blending such highly personal and moving stories with crystal clear medical commentary based on first-hand clinical experience, Dr. Olajide Williams demystifies this potentially devastating illness and provides a roadmap to recovery. Indeed, Dr. Williams shows that the majority of strokes are not only preventable, but also treatable. Through compelling stories of patients, survivors and caregivers, woven together by easy-to-understand medical explanations, Dr. Williams provides practical tips on preventing strokes with specific lifestyle prescriptions, on recognizing the different forms of strokes, on managing symptoms after stroke, and on overcoming the psychological burden of stroke. He also reviews the new clot-busting treatments, which have dramatically improved the recovery rate of stroke victims. Combining cutting-edge medicine with the gripping stories of patients, survivors, family members, and physicians, Stroke Diaries strikes a blow against the current public health crisis in stroke.

Psychological Management of Stroke presents a comprehensive review and synthesis of the current data relating to the assessment, treatment, and psychological wellbeing of stroke patients. Information on clinical practice -- and the research evidence to support that practice -- will assist clinical psychologists and other relevant health care professionals through all phases of stroke recovery and care. Each chapter features a careful synthesis of recent international research about psychological factors relevant to stroke survivors, their families, and the services in which they are cared for and treated. Research results and effective treatment approaches are complemented by the inclusion of several personal case studies that reveal the perspectives of both survivors and their carers. Written by clinical psychologists working in stroke services, Psychological Management of Stroke represents an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the treatment of the psychological aspects of stroke.

Features tons of advice for recovery and rehabilitation Get the latest on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of stroke Have questions and concerns about strokes? This reassuring guide provides invaluable information for stroke victims and their loved ones, from what a stroke is and what it feels like to proven treatments and therapies. You'll see how to implement a plan for preventing stroke, treat the lingering effects of stroke, and maximize home caregiver effectiveness while minimizing fatigue. Discover how to: Understand what causes different types of stroke Recognize warning signs Get the most out of doctors and hospitals Speed recovery with the best treatments Help prevent future strokes Decide the best living arrangements after stroke

Not Your Dad’s Stroke is written by a stroke survivor for stroke survivors and their loved ones. It documents the author’s recovery from a 2012 stroke, and examines the research and treatment advancements over the twenty years since his dad had his stroke. The author also discusses strategies and resources to help make recovery easier. The book includes personal accounts from other stroke survivors, caregivers, and a therapist. Not all the stories have happy endings, but all are informative and inspirational. Most newly diagnosed stroke patients are in fear of the unknown. In the author’s case, his first thought was of his dad's stroke, and how it had been the start of his dad’s decline. However, as the author’s treatment and recovery began, the first thing he realized was that things had changed for the better, with faster diagnoses and improved treatments. From the beginning, he had a better prognosis, with early discussions on recovery and preventing the next stroke. Everyone knows someone that has had a stroke. It can happen to anyone at any age. No two strokes are the same, as no two recoveries are the same. The bottom line is that recovery is hard work, survivors have to keep at it, and at some point, learn to accept the new version of themselves. This book will be an informative resource and inspiration for newly diagnosed stroke patients, anyone who has suffered a stroke, and for the loved ones and caregivers of stroke survivors. The manuscript was built around common questions about stroke identified though conversations with stroke survivors, caregivers, and peer support workers.

This is the true story of Canadian stroke survivor Peter Fee, a mature, professional businessman whose life was drastically impacted when he suffered a stroke in his 50th year. Peter has since been undergoing the process of rehabilitation at a few Toronto area hospitals, including programs of traditional physiotherapy. Having been discharged from outpatient rehab programs, Peter had reached a plateau in his recovery. He then began and continues his quest for alternate and further possibilities of rehab and recovery. After being home for nearly two years since his initial admission to hospital, Peter began researching numerous other avenues, techniques and equipment for self-therapy and recovery which include acupuncture, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Taoist Tai Chi and other miscellaneous traditional aids. He continues with these options to this day. This is the story of his life including his youth, maturing and growth, professional career and near-death, as well as his physical recovery progress and experiences to date. Peter’s story is not complete as of the printing of this book because he is continuing his recovery efforts. For this reason, Peter has already started writing his second book. He continues to make daily progress. He is determined.

Three new chapters broaden your understanding of stroke intervention in the areas of Using Technology to Improve Limb Function, Managing Speech and Language Deficits after Stroke, and Parenting after Stroke. Learning activities and interactive references on a companion Evolve Resources website help you review textbook content and locate additional information.

Treating stroke requires attention not only to patients’ physical needs, but to their psychiatric needs as well. Unfortunately, there has been a considerable lack of literature that tackles this important facet of recovery. The Psychiatry of Stroke fills this void through a comprehensive examination that explores the mental and physical issues faced by stroke patients and offers up-to-date treatment options. Based on extensive clinical experience, the text offers practical advice for improving the treatment of stroke by increasing the attention paid to its mental aspects. Detailed and definitive, this unique text demonstrates how mental impairment sets limits to stroke treatment and rehabilitation and shows how to evaluate and treat these impairments. Accessible to a wide range of readers, this new edition presents detailed reviews of classical papers as well as more basic outlines that provide a general overview. Regardless of familiarity, readers will find comprehensive and authoritative guidance for improving treatment. Some of the topics covered include: background and causation risk factors and diagnosis of stroke localization of mental functions neuropsychopharmachology psychiatric syndromes apathy and failure to rehabilitate depression, anxiety, and dementia sex anger and violence outcome and effects the process of recovery family treatment team legal issues, money, and ethics and much more! The Psychiatry of Stroke also includes a wealth of informative tables and diagrams as well as a full glossary of terms. Extensively referenced, this important text also provides useful appendices that look at resources for caregivers and the anatomy and historical significance of stroke. Physicians and mental health professionals who treat stroke patients; staff of stroke units and rehabilitation hospitals and centers; fellows in geriatric psychiatry, geriatrics, and stroke programs; gerontology students and educators; and families of the victims of stroke or vascular dementia will find this book an invaluable day-to-day resource.