Henry Hoffman
Friday, November 30th, 2018
Last modified on August 26th, 2022
More than 15 million people suffer a stroke worldwide each year. Approximately half of all stroke survivors admitted to a medical facility will be affected by temporary bladder incontinence and one in three will struggle with bowel incontinence. Losing control of one’s bladder or bowel movements can be frustrating and embarrassing for survivors. Fortunately, there are many strategies to help survivors regain bladder and bowel control after suffering a stroke. It’s important to remember that every stroke is different and every recovery and rehabilitation model will be unique for each stroke survivor. In this case, it all starts with a greater understanding of the causes of incontinence.
Henry Hoffman
Monday, November 26th, 2018
Last modified on August 26th, 2022
Functional deficits and motor impairments are common following a stroke. Up to 90 percent of stroke survivors will experience some measure of paralysis or motor deficiency. There are more than 30 muscles involved in the swallowing process and about half of stroke patients suffer from difficulties while swallowing, or dysphagia. It’s important to remember that dysphagia is often temporary for most stroke survivors and this condition will improve for many stroke survivors over time. However, even temporary dysphagia can have dire consequences for stroke survivors and their loved ones leading to a host of complications including pneumonia. Today, one in three stroke survivors will develop pneumonia. Fortunately, there are many strategies ranging from basic lifestyle adjustments to neuromuscular stimulation that can help prevent this potentially life-threatening pulmonary condition.
Henry Hoffman
Tuesday, October 16th, 2018
Last modified on August 26th, 2022
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain and causing brain cells to die quickly. Strokes are one of the leading causes of death and disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are three main types of stroke:
Henry Hoffman
Tuesday, October 16th, 2018
Last modified on August 25th, 2022
The average age of a stroke survivor is 68 years old but, in recent years, stroke cases in younger age groups have increased. The direct correlation between drug use and stroke risk is well-known and strokes among younger age groups commonly result from illicit drug use, prescription drug abuse, and other unhealthy lifestyle habits. While not all strokes are preventable, individuals can always practice healthy lifestyle choices to minimize their stroke risk moving forward. Additionally, if an individual does suffer a stroke from drug use or alcohol abuse, drug abuse treatment can play a role in the stroke recovery and rehabilitation process.
Henry Hoffman
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018
Last modified on September 1st, 2022
The organ systems in our body constantly work in tandem—when one area struggles, the others respond. Vital nutrients such as Vitamin D and B12 help maintain this delicate balance, especially after a neurological disruption like a stroke event. Research connects vitamin deficiencies with both the body’s stroke risk and its ability to recover from a stroke event. An insufficiency in these nutrients—or the inability to absorb them—can cause the three major types of stroke: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and transient ischemic attack, commonly known as a mini-stroke. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, triggered by a blood clot blocking the flow of oxygen to the brain. Hemorrhagic stroke is a result of internal bleeding in the brain due to a broken blood vessel.
Henry Hoffman
Saturday, September 29th, 2018
Last modified on August 26th, 2022
Numbness and other unusual sensations in the limbs and other body parts are common after a stroke event. These after effects can significantly impact the quality of movement as well as jeopardize safety. In this article, we’ll discuss some helpful exercises as well as electrical stimulation therapy and mirror box therapy for those experiencing numbness and other after-event sensations.
Henry Hoffman
Saturday, September 29th, 2018
Last modified on August 30th, 2022
Electrical stimulation therapy is a therapeutic treatment with a multitude of uses. It can help prevent atrophy and build strength in patients with injuries. It can be helpful in restoring function and reducing edema, especially after a stroke. In electrical stimulation, non-invasive electrodes are placed on the patient’s skin, causing the targeted muscles to contract. A mild electrical current is sent to an area of the body that is receiving confused, few, or no signals from the brain after a stroke. This stimulates the body’s inner electrical system, inducing new connections to be formed in the brain and, in turn, allowing for greater control of the particular area of the body. Electrical stimulation works by mimicking the natural way the body exercises its muscles. With electrical stimulation, the patient is able to maintain muscle tone and strength that would otherwise waste away from lack of usage.
Henry Hoffman
Thursday, September 27th, 2018
Last modified on August 26th, 2022
Today, migraines are considered “the most common neurological disorder” according to the Journal of Stroke, and, in the United States alone, about 30 million people suffer from these debilitating headaches. Research has determined that all migraineurs are at a higher risk of suffering a stroke, and this risk factor is potentially doubled or tripled for individuals who suffer from migraines with visual disturbances collectively known as “aura.”
Henry Hoffman
Thursday, September 27th, 2018
Last modified on August 30th, 2022
The heart is a complex organ that is not only dependent upon a system of muscles and blood vessels, but also on specific cells that send crucial electrical signals. When functioning correctly, these signals tell the heart when to contract and relax in order to create a proper heartbeat. An inconsistent heartbeat can lead to an array of issues, ranging from fatigue and dizziness to more extreme complications, including stroke and heart failure. When the atrial chambers irregularly speed up to the point of quivering, for example, this disorder is known as atrial fibrillation.
Henry Hoffman
Friday, September 14th, 2018
Last modified on September 1st, 2022
Our blood pressure acts as a window into the health of our cardiovascular system. When blood pressure spikes too high or dips too low, it can be a signal that the blood vessels are struggling to supply enough blood to each organ in the body. If When this occurs, there can be a danger of a stroke, kidney failure, heart attack, and related complications.
