Henry Hoffman
Monday, April 29th, 2019
Last modified on May 25th, 2023
The brain consists of two distinct halves, known as the right and left hemispheres. Each hemisphere is responsible for different tasks, including physically controlling the side of the body opposite it. When one hemisphere is damaged by a stroke, the brain may become unable to process or perceive what is occurring in and around the opposite side of the body. In severe cases, stroke patients may be unaware that their opposite side even exists and ignore it completely. This condition, known as hemineglect (also unilateral neglect, hemispatial neglect, or spatial neglect). Hemineglect is most prominent and lasts longer when a stroke damages the right side of the brain. However, damage may also occur on the left side of the brain, resulting in hemineglect on the right side of the body. As a matter of course, medical professionals test stroke patients to determine whether they are suffering from hemineglect.
Henry Hoffman
Friday, April 26th, 2019
Last modified on May 25th, 2023
While a stroke is effectively an attack of the brain, just as myocardial infarction is an attack of the heart, the brain does fight back against the damage caused by a stroke, and that’s what provides the best opportunity for stroke recovery. Generally, a stroke cuts off the flow of blood to the brain, thereby depriving brain cells of oxygen. If those cells go without oxygen long enough, they die, and brain function decreases. The recovery process relies on the ability of the brain to heal itself through neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity occurs when brain cells regenerate, re-establish, and rearrange neural connections in response to the damage inflicted by a stroke. In effect, the brain works around the dead cells and attempts to construct other neural pathways to compensate. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are designed to spark neuroplasticity, encouraging the brain to correct mental and physical deficits. The brain also temporarily increases its natural neuroplasticity in response to traumatic damage, which is why it’s so important to begin the rehabilitation process shortly after a stroke occurs.
Henry Hoffman
Wednesday, April 24th, 2019
Last modified on September 26th, 2022
Foot drop (or “drop foot”) is a common disability, affecting millions worldwide. People suffering from foot drop struggle with limited mobility and have an increased risk of injury from slips and falls. Fortunately, the orthotics market offers a multitude of products engineered to address many different and complex mobility issues. There are many effective foot drop supports, ranging from larger ankle-foot orthosis braces (AFO brace) to versatile external strap-on support systems like the SaeboStep foot drop brace — a state-of-the-art orthotic designed to fit any shoe. This post will describe the condition of foot drop and answer many of the most frequently asked questions about foot drop, what is an AFO brace, and what to consider when shopping for an effective foot drop brace solution.
Henry Hoffman
Saturday, April 20th, 2019
Last modified on May 25th, 2023
Strokes are the leading cause of disability in the United States, and the extent and permanence of stroke-related disabilities depend on one thing — oxygen. Strokes cause damage by disrupting the flow of oxygen to the brain, leading to brain cell death. Depending on the part of the brain affected, the stroke patient may suffer functional disabilities. Rehabilitation strategies center around stimulating the brain so that it can repair or work around the damaged cells, creating new connections and neural pathways. However, what works for one stroke patient may not work for another. One alternative treatment that may be successful in improving physical and mental function after a stroke is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Even years after a stroke, HBOT has reversed or reduced resulting disabilities.
Henry Hoffman
Friday, April 19th, 2019
Last modified on May 25th, 2023
According to the American Stroke Association, strokes are the fifth most common cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. While some individuals do recover completely from a stroke, almost two-thirds are left with lingering physical deficits. The goal of physical and occupational therapy is to a
Henry Hoffman
Tuesday, April 16th, 2019
Last modified on May 15th, 2020
Strokes are the leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when oxygen and nutrients are unable to reach the brain, because of either a blood clot or a ruptured artery. When brain cells are starved of oxygen, they die, and the function those cells provide is impacted. The effect of a stroke depends on many variables, including the location of the obstruction or rupture and how much brain tissue is damaged. Without proper and immediate medical treatment, a stroke may cause long-term disabilities. Most post-stroke therapy focuses on recovering function. For example, physical therapy works to improve mobility and balance, occupational therapy is designed to increase independence with tasks of daily living, and speech therapy treats speech, language and swallowing problems. However, stroke patients may also experience psychosocial problems, such as depression or anxiety. Art therapy has proven to be an effective solution.
Henry Hoffman
Thursday, March 14th, 2019
Last modified on September 6th, 2022
Currently, there are more than 6 million stroke survivors in the United States. Unfortunately, approximately 80 percent of stroke survivors experience some type of motor deficit as a result of their stroke. These deficits often include diminished strength in the hands, which can make the basic tasks many of us may take for granted a challenge. This can result in everyday functions such as cutting food or getting dressed becoming exhausting and burdensome.
On the positive side, the range of stroke treatment options is now more sophisticated than ever. Stroke survivors may be able to reverse the effects of stroke with a rehabilitation program focused on hand strengthening exercises proven to overcome motor deficits. Having access to the right treatment strategies can have a major impact on a survivor’s recovery. It is important to utilize the right tools during the recovery process to assist with hand impairments both short-term and long-term.
Henry Hoffman
Saturday, February 23rd, 2019
Last modified on August 26th, 2022
As the more than 6 million stroke survivors in the United States know all too well, a stroke can change someone’s life in an instant. Strokes cause damage to the brain and may lead to a host of physical and cognitive impairments that can be difficult for survivors and their loved ones to cope with. A cerebellar stroke in particular is a rare type of stroke that may cause a loss of coordination, as well as other deficits that can contribute to a reduced overall quality of life. However, it is possible to restore smooth, coordinated motor functions with the right training regimen and proper guidance.
Henry Hoffman
Friday, February 22nd, 2019
Last modified on October 11th, 2022
Currently, strokes are one of the leading causes of long-term disability around the globe. Millions of stroke survivors struggle with a range of after effects that impact not only their physical capabilities but, at times, their ability to communicate. It’s estimated that up to 40 percent of stroke survivors will experience aphasia, a disorder that impairs a patient’s ability to process language, impeding speech, reading, and writing. In some instances, these communication and speech impairments may be temporary and fade over time. However, for most patients, restoring or improving communication skills requires intensive rehabilitation. In the past, it was commonly believed that speech improvement was only possible during the first few weeks of recovery, however, it is now known that it is possible to improve speech months and possibly even years after a stroke. With an effective stroke treatment strategy and consistent practice, the brain can be retrained to compensate for communication deficits. In this post, we will discuss the different types of aphasia and also how to improve speech after a stroke.
Henry Hoffman
Tuesday, February 12th, 2019
Last modified on September 6th, 2022
Navigating the stages of stroke recovery is a personal, individualized process. During this transition, stroke therapy and treatment programs should be fine-tuned to each person’s specific needs and lifestyle. Stroke treatment at home offers familiarity and comfort during a time of great stress. Home therapy can incorporate all the necessary exercises for rehabilitation while remaining flexible and adaptable to a survivor’s schedule, needs, and preferences.
