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Understanding Stroke Online Manual

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Stroke care specialties:

Neurology ?
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Neurology
A neurologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats stroke and other problems involving the brain and nervous system.
Occupational medicine ?
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Occupational medicine
An occupational therapist will look at your ability to do everyday activities and help you regain as many daily living skills as possible.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation ?
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Physical medicine and rehabilitation
A physiatrist, a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation, may lead your stroke recovery team.
Physical therapy ?
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Physical therapy
A physical therapist can treat problems with balance, coordination and strength you have after a stroke.
Speech therapy ?
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Speech therapy
A speech-language pathologist can help you regain language skills or teach you other ways to communicate after a stroke.

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Effects of stroke

Changes after your stroke may be mild or severe, brief or long-lasting. This depends on the area of your brain affected by the stroke and how extensive the damage is.

Everyday activities
After having a stroke, you may find that doing everyday activities may be difficult.

Emotional effects
If the stroke damaged parts of your brain that control behavior, you may not be able to control your emotions. You may also feel anxious or depressed.

Physical effects on either side of the brain
Changes that may happen after a stroke on either side of the brain include abnormal muscle tone, bladder and bowel changes, problems with understanding and coordination.

Right-sided stroke
The right side of the brain controls the ability to pay attention, recognize things you see, hear or touch, and be aware of your own body.

Left-sided stroke: Aphasia and language apraxia
The left side of the brain controls the ability to speak and understand language in most people.

Posterior CVA (cerebrovascular accident)
A posterior circulation stroke means the stroke affects the back area of your brain.

Multiple CVA
A multiple CVA (cerebrovascular accident) means several small strokes happen in a short time on both sides of your brain.


 

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