Want to prevent another stroke? Start Moving – Safely

Hopefully your competent? doctor gets you recovered enough physically so you can prevent your next stroke.  Oh, YOU DON'T HAVE A COMPETENT DOCTOR, DO YOU?

What a load of generalist guideline bullshit! 

 Want to prevent another stroke? Start Moving – Safely

By American Heart Association

Having a stroke can feel overwhelming. It can paralyze limbs, interfere with speech and vision, make it harder to think or remember things. So, the thought of becoming physically active soon after having one may seem like a pretty steep hill to climb.

But experts say that’s exactly what people should do to avoid having another stroke and boost their chances for a better quality of life.

- Advertisement -

“It’s important to start moving during the recovery phase,” said Dr. Robynne Braun, an associate professor in the department of neurology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. Braun also is a member of the American Heart Association’s Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery Committee and its Stroke Council. “The goal should be to start getting people back to the highest level of activity and independence possible.”

Strokes happen when a blood vessel connected to the brain gets blocked by a clot or bursts, robbing the brain of oxygen and critical nutrients. While strokes can kill, they are also a leading cause of disability in the U.S.

And according to the American Stroke Association, nearly 1 in 4 stroke survivors will have another stroke. Physical activity is one of the key lifestyle factors that help lower the risk of another stroke, along with following a healthier diet, maintaining a healthy weight, taking medication as prescribed, and controlling other risk factors such as high blood pressure.

Physical activity should begin as soon as possible following a stroke, experts say. Research shows stroke survivors who participate in physical rehabilitation programs can rapidly improve motor strength and limb mobility within the first month, and some may reach full recovery within about four months.

- Advertisement -

But how much activity survivors should engage in – and what type – should be assessed on an individual basis, in consultation with their health care team, said Dr. Jose Rafael Romero, an associate professor of neurology at Boston University and a member of the American Heart Association’s Stroke Council.

“In general, it’s really important to be physically active and do some type of exercise after a stroke,” he said. “But not all strokes are the same. People may experience different deficits after a stroke, and we have to keep safety in mind to prevent falls or injuries.”

Why become active right away

Guidance from the American Stroke Association encourages stroke survivors to engage in regular physical activity and limit sedentary time as much as possible, even if they need assistance to do so. In addition to helping prevent another stroke, staying physically active improves mobility, walking, balance and mental health. It can reduce the risk of falls and also help prevent heart-related conditions such as high blood pressure and obesity.

The American Stroke Association and American Heart Association recommend all stroke survivors have their communication skills, functional mobility and ability to perform daily living tasks assessed before leaving the hospital and again throughout the course of recovery, as their capabilities and needs will change over time.

Patients may be referred to physical or occupational therapists to help them regain function and mobility at an appropriate pace, Romero said.

“Physical therapists and occupational therapists are trained to help patients understand what they can do safely,” he said. With their help, stroke survivors should begin moving “as soon as it’s safe and possible.”

‘No one-size-fits-all’

What kind of – and how much – movement will vary from person to person.

American Stroke Association guidance for stroke survivors includes five types of physical activity (PDF)(link opens in new window): 

• Gait training exercises are typically offered by physical therapists to help people regain pre-stroke mobility. 
• Stretching and range of motion exercises improve flexibility and may include yoga, Pilates, dance, calisthenics or tai chi. 
• Aerobic exercises are used during recovery and range from moderate-intensity activities, such as brisk walking or water aerobics, to vigorous activities such as running, hiking and cycling. 
• Balance exercises involve core muscles and can help reduce the risk of falls. 
• Strength training exercises include weights and resistance bands and should only be done with a doctor’s approval.

Setting physical activity goals is important, Braun said. Those goals will vary depending on the person’s capabilities, the type of lifestyle they want to lead, and the type of lifestyle they led prior to having a stroke.

“There is no one-size-fits-all,” Braun said. “Activity is a broad term. Exercise is one form of activity. For some people, this may have been minimal prior to having a stroke, which may have contributed to their having a stroke in the first place.”

Delay can bring risks

While it may seem daunting to get moving right away, there are risks to delaying a post-stroke physical activity program, Romero said.

“When you wait too long, it may become more difficult to engage in physical activity because of complications,” Romero said. “Joints can become stiff, and it can be more difficult to stretch them out. Physical activity improves range of motion. Stretching exercises are good for that. If people cannot move their limbs, this helps reduce stiffness in the muscles.”

Even patients who cannot walk or get out of bed yet can usually benefit from some type of movement, he said. For example, they can do stretching exercises to improve mobility and dexterity.

If people cannot move on their own, Braun said a therapist can stretch a person’s arms and legs to prevent joints and tissue from becoming contracted and re-establish connections between sensory signals going from the body to the brain and movement signals from the brain to the body.

Others will be able to do much more.

“Walking is one of the best forms of physical activity there is,” Romero said. “If they can ambulate safely, they can do regular walking. Once they can move at a faster speed, light jogging can be really good. But it should always be tailored to what a patient can do without being at risk of falling.”

How much activity and how intense?

As a general rule, stroke survivors should initially try to engage in some type of movement at least a few times a week, Braun said. “A pretty safe place for people to start is 10 minutes, four times a week.”

They can build on that over time, she said, moving from light to moderate to vigorous activity as they are able.

What defines light, moderate or vigorous activity will vary from person to person and can be determined by monitoring how much a person’s heart rate increases, Braun said. For a person who is very fit, physical activity may not raise their heart rate very much, but the same activity could cause a larger jump in heart rate for a person who is largely sedentary.

One way to determine if an activity is “moderate” is by whether it makes a person feel winded, Braun said. “An activity is considered moderate if you can carry on a conversation or sing a song while doing it,” she said. Gardening, housekeeping or taking a brisk walk might be considered moderate activities.

When performing vigorous physical activity, a person typically should not be able to carry on a conversation or utter more than a few words at a time, Braun said.

Romero said it’s important for stroke survivors to monitor how they feel during physical activity to make sure they’re not doing too much.

“If a person who had a stroke experiences symptoms while doing some physical activity, such as chest pain, they should stop and be evaluated,” he said. “They need to do it safely and stay hydrated. Then perhaps they can move on to aerobic exercise. Doing this daily is best, but at least a few times a week.”

Benefits beyond the physical

The benefits of physical activity aren’t just physical, Romero said.

“There are also cognitive benefits,” he said. “People who exercise after a stroke tend to do better in terms of cognition. It can also help mood and reduce depression.”

When setting activity goals, an important question to ask, Braun said, is “What are the activities that give this person’s life meaning? Find activities that are meaningful to that person and connect them to the exercises.”

Staying active between therapy sessions – and long after health insurance stops covering them – is also important, Romero said.

“Even between sessions, keep practicing what you learn,” he said. “Sustained effort and activity are helpful over the long term. If you just do it in those sessions and stop, you may go back to where you were. You don’t want to lose what you’ve gained.”

Stroke recovery is within reach. Whether it’s in person, online or on the phone, the American Stroke Association is here to support your journey to recovery. Learn more about stroke support services.

Information Source: American Heart Association

- Advertisement -

Neuroplasticity: What Is It?

 But your doctor and hospital KNOW NOTHING ON HOW TO MAKE IT REPEATABLE ON DEMAND!

We don't SPECIFICALLY know why a neuron gives up its' current job and takes on a neighbors'.  Thus, nothing on neuroplasticity is scientifically repeatable on demand. So, DEMAND your doctor give you EXACT PROTOCOLS to use. Don't allow your doctor to give you generalities or guidelines like this article. 

Without that knowledge, telling us neuroplasticity will get us recovered IS A COMPLETE LOAD OF BULLSHIT!

Neuroplasticity: What Is It?

Chapter First Online: 25 October 2025 pp 197–207 Cite this chapter

• Jens Bo Nielsen, 
• Jakob Lorentzen & 
• Rasmus Feld Frisk 

• 8 Accesses

Abstract

Neuroplasticity, the nervous system’s ability to undergo structural and functional changes, is fundamental to the brain’s adaptability. William James and Santiago Ramon y Cajal were early proponents of this concept, highlighting its role in habit formation and personality development. Research has since revealed complex mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity at molecular, cellular, and network levels. Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) exemplify how synaptic efficiency is enhanced or diminished, demonstrating the bidirectional nature of synaptic plasticity.

Neuronal activity triggers structural modifications, such as spine formation and synaptic strengthening, influenced by recent and past experiences. Representational changes in cortical maps, as seen in somatosensory and motor cortex adaptations following sensory deprivation or amputation, further illustrate neuroplasticity. Cross-modal plasticity highlights the brain’s ability to repurpose regions for alternative functions, showcasing its flexibility.

Following brain injury, functional recovery is driven by regeneration of damaged tissue and reorganization of neural connections. While the central nervous system faces challenges due to inhibitory factors and scar formation, studies on neurogenesis in the hippocampus and olfactory bulb offer therapeutic insights. Reorganization involves surviving pathways compensating for lost functions, emphasizing the brain’s adaptability. Early intervention post-injury is crucial for guiding plastic changes toward recovery.

Understanding neuroplasticity mechanisms has significant implications for neurorehabilitation and regenerative medicine, potentially leading to effective interventions for brain injuries and neurodegenerative disorders, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

 This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution  to check access.

Australian Stroke Coalition 30/60/90 National Stroke Targets Action Plan

WHAT ABSOLUTE LAZY FUCKING BULLSHIT! You're not even trying for 100% recovery! Do you ever talk to survivors about their goals? YOU need to get involved and get this changed! They mention 'care' 18 times which survivors don't give a flying fuck about! THEY WANT RESULTS AND RECOVERY! I'd fire everyone involved!

 Australian Stroke Coalition 30/60/90 National Stroke Targets Action Plan

30/60/90 National Stroke Targets
By 2030
• National median endovascular clot retrieval door to puncture time
<30mins for transfers
• National median thrombolysis door to needle time <60mins
• National median door in door out time for endovascular clot retrieval <60mins
in metro hospitals*
• National median endovascular clot retrieval door to puncture time <90mins for
primary presenters
• Certified stroke unit care provided to >90% of patients with primary stroke diagnosis
*Where same-crew ambulance door-in and -out transfer is possible. Regional services retrieving via road should
aim for a DIDO time of 75 minutes (hospitals requiring aero-retrieval service are not included in this target).
These targets have been developed in consultation with leading Australian stroke
clinicians and researchers, and are endorsed by the following organisations:
1
306090 National Stroke Targets - Action Plan2
Introduction
The Australian Stroke Coalition (ASC) 30/60/90 National Stroke Targets focus on stroke
unit access 1 and expedited reperfusion therapies.2,3 These were identified as the acute
stroke Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), most likely, if optimised, to have the greatest
impact on patient outcomes. This document has distilled national and international 4 best
practice opinion and guidelines to assist stroke hospitals and state stroke networks in
meeting these targets.
1. Stroke Unit Access and National System Organisation
To ensure all patients have the ability to access stroke unit care and reperfusion
treatments, all hospitals in the country should be designated as one of these five stroke
hospital categories, according to the 2023 Stroke Foundation National Acute Stroke
Services Framework.5
1. Comprehensive Stroke Centre (CSC) - a hospital providing 24/7 endovascular therapy
(EVT) and neurosurgical services.
2. Primary Stroke Centre (PSC) - a hospital providing 24/7 thrombolysis and stroke unit care.
3. Stroke Capable Regional General Hospital (SCRGH) - a hospital geographically
distant from metropolitan centres which provides 24/7 thrombolysis and stroke care
approximating stroke unit care, but from which routine transfer to a large PSC or CSC is
infeasible, due to distance.
4. Telestroke Thrombolysis Centre (TTC) - a hospital providing telestroke-enabled
thrombolysis, ideally 24/7, but not providing stroke unit care.
5. General Hospital (GH) - a hospital which does not provide either thrombolysis or stroke
unit care, but which should have protocols for patients presenting with stroke, to ensure
rapid transfer to hospitals with thrombolysis and stroke unit care occurs.
We recommend the following actions, at Department of Health, Stroke Network and
Local Hospital Network levels, to ensure that every Australian with acute stroke is
provided with an opportunity to access certified stroke unit care:
1. Map every private and public hospital in Australia to determine whether they are
a current or potential CSC, PSC, SCRGH, TTC or GH.
2. Support current and potential CSCs, PSCs and SCRGHs in meeting Australian Stroke
Coalition stroke unit certification criteria and gaining certification.
3. Identify and support potential TTCs in joining State or Interstate telestroke networks.
4. Support GHs in developing triage and transfer protocols to ensure patients
presenting with stroke directly can access reperfusion and stroke unit care.
5. Work with ambulance and retrieval services to ensure all patients with potential
stroke are transferred to hospitals which can provide appropriate acute stroke care.
6. Provide each patient presenting with stroke to Australian TTCs and GHs with the
opportunity to access stroke unit care via a CSC, PSC or SCRGH.
7. Facilitate system-wide stroke data collection to monitor stroke hospitalisation
processes and outcomes.
306090 National Stroke Targets - Action Plan3
2. Reperfusion optimisation strategies
The American Heart Association (AHA) “Target: Stroke” initiative advocates the
adoption of key best practice strategies for expediting reperfusion therapies for acute
ischaemic stroke.6-9 These AHA strategies have been workshopped and modified slightly
for an Australian context by Australian stroke leaders.
While many strategies are common both to CSCs and other thrombolysing Centres
(PSCs, SCRGHs and TTCs), for clarity and ease of use, two versions of these Strategies
are provided.
a. Reperfusion optimisation strategies for PSCs, SCRGHs and TTCs
These strategies facilitate rapid assessment and neuroimaging of patients
with suspected stroke, and, if indicated, administration of thrombolytic
(+/- transfer out for EVT):
1. Systematic, coordinated ambulance bypass of all suspected stroke (following use
of validated stroke screening tools or stroke-capable ambulance assessment +/- ambulance-
based neuroimaging) to stroke-thrombolysis capable hospitals and severely affected
suspected stroke patients to endovascular-capable hospitals where locally indicated
(depending on local door to needle, door-in-door out times and transfer distance10-12
).
2. Ambulance code stroke team prenotification – (e.g., time last known well,
anticoagulant use, venous access etc). The code stroke team at a minimum includes CT
(or MR) radiographer staff, and medical and nursing stroke team members. Move towards
transmitting electronically reliable identifying data pre-arrival - in the interim, use
unknown patient protocols if patient cannot be identified and pre-registered pre-arrival.
3. Use of stroke toolkits (including medications commonly used during acute code stroke)
4. Rapid triage and direct transfer from ambulance to CT – acceptance of paramedic
observations as sufficient without requiring repetition during triage process, followed by
transfer directly from triage to CT on the same ambulance stretcher without off-loading,13
if deemed medically stable by ambulance, triage and clinical staff. The presence of
Advanced Life Support-trained staff is NOT required for otherwise stable stroke patients.
5. Attach timer or clock to chart, clip board, or bed. Acute ischaemic stroke care
including EVT requires an accurate, timely, coordinated and systematic evaluation of the
patient. A universal clock visible to the ED and stroke teams is an enabling tool for improving
the timeliness and quality of care and should be considered for recording critical stages.8
6. Pre-consent using verbal-only discussions about potential reperfusion therapy
(if informed consent not possible due to stroke deficits, emergency treatment provision
is acceptable if next of kin unreachable (reasonable to attempt for up to 5 minutes)).
7. Rapid acquisition of neuroimaging – pre-prepare and connect IV contrast prior to
patient arrival to CT. Following direct transfer on the ambulance stretcher, proceed swiftly
and directly to multi-modal neuroimaging (non-contrast CT (NCCT), arch to vertex CT
angiography (CTA) and CT perfusion (CTP)) unless known contrast allergy. Multimodal
imaging should be used for all stroke patients who meet an institutional threshold for clinical
stroke severity.14 Image interpretation and decision-making is supported by automated
CT perfusion analysis software.15 Multi-modal imaging should not delay administration of
thrombolytic or contact with the ENI (Endovascular Neuro-interventional) team. An arterial
phase CTA from the CTP can be manually sent to PACS to identify large vessel occlusion
(LVO) early, where feasible.
306090 National Stroke Targets - Action Plan4
8. Blood draw for rapid laboratory +/- point of care INR testing but proceed to
thrombolytic administration without awaiting results unless indicated by clinical or past
medical history.
9. Rapid access to and administration of thrombolytic – have immediately at hand prior to CT.
10. Swift imaging availability should be facilitated via IT services for the stroke consultant
within minutes of acquisition to enable prompt decision making in conjunction with onsite
personnel. Pre-notify the consultant decision-maker of the pending NCCT.
11. Administration of thrombolytic on the imaging table following non-contrast imaging,
where appropriate – supported by hospital policies to permit this.
12. Team-based approach – parallel workflows for clinical assessment, obtaining venous
access, ordering diagnostic tests and commencing treatment.
13. Streamlined door-in door-out protocols should be developed by all non-endovascular
capable hospitals receiving acute stroke patients to enable swift door-in-door-out times.
Consider commencing Endovascular Neurointervention (ENI) team notification as soon
as treatment-eligible LVO is probable (e.g. following a clear hyperdense MCA in LVO
syndrome patients). For metropolitan sites the same inbound ambulance crew should
be used for the outbound journey.10 For regional sites decision about the level of medical
escort required should be promptly made in conjunction with the stroke physician to
prevent unnecessary delay.
14. Prompt data feedback should be provided to both hospital and ambulance staff.
Accurately measuring and tracking door to needle times and key time-markers along
this pathway allows the treating teams to identify areas for improvement and take
appropriate action. A data monitoring and feedback system (such as the Australian Stroke
Clinical Registry) creates a process for providing timely feedback and recommendations
for improvement on a case-by-case basis and in hospital aggregate. This system helps
identify specific preventable delays, devise strategies to overcome them, set targets,
and monitor progress on a case-by-case basis.7,8
306090 National Stroke Targets - Action Plan5
b. Reperfusion optimisation strategies for Comprehensive Stroke Centres
These strategies facilitate rapid assessment and neuroimaging of patients with
suspected stroke, and, if indicated, administration of thrombolytic and provision of EVT.
1. Systematic, coordinated ambulance bypass of all suspected stroke (following use of
validated stroke screening tools or stroke-capable ambulance assessment +/- ambulance-
based neuroimaging) to stroke-thrombolysis capable hospitals and severely affected
suspected stroke patients to endovascular-capable hospitals where locally indicated
(depending on local door to needle, door-in-door out times and transfer distance10-12
).
2. Ambulance code stroke team prenotification – (e.g., time last known well,
anticoagulant use, venous access etc). The code stroke team at a minimum includes
CT (or MR) radiographer staff, and medical and nursing stroke team members. Move
towards transmitting electronically reliable identifying data pre-arrival - in the interim, use
unknown patient protocols if patient cannot be identified and pre-registered pre-arrival.
3. Use of stroke toolkits (including medications commonly used during acute code stroke)
4. Rapid triage and direct transfer from ambulance to CT – acceptance of paramedic
observations as sufficient without requiring repetition during triage process, followed by
transfer directly from triage to CT on the same ambulance stretcher without off-loading,13
if deemed medically stable by ambulance, triage and clinical staff. The presence of
Advanced Life Support-trained staff is NOT required for otherwise stable stroke patients.
5. Attach timer or clock to chart, clip board, or bed. Acute ischaemic stroke care including
endovascular therapy requires an accurate, timely, coordinated and systematic evaluation
of the patient. A universal clock visible to the ED and stroke (+/- ENI) team is an enabling
tool for improving the timeliness and quality of care and should be considered for
recording critical stages.8
6. Pre-consent using verbal-only discussions about potential reperfusion therapy
(if informed consent not possible due to stroke deficits, emergency treatment provision
is acceptable if next of kin unreachable (reasonable to attempt for up to 5 minutes)).
7. Rapid acquisition of neuroimaging – pre-prepare and connect IV contrast prior
to patient arrival to CT. Following direct transfer on the ambulance stretcher, proceed
swiftly and directly to multi-modal neuroimaging (non-contrast CT, arch to vertex CT
angiography and CT perfusion) unless known contrast allergy. Multimodal imaging should
be used for all stroke patients who meet an institutional threshold for clinical stroke
severity.14 Image interpretation and decision making is supported by automated CT
perfusion analysis software.15 Multi-modal imaging should not delay administration
of thrombolytic or contact with the ENI team. An arterial phase CTA from the CTP can
be manually sent to PACS to identify large vessel occlusion (LVO) early, where feasible.
8. Blood draw for rapid laboratory +/- point of care INR testing but proceed to
thrombolytic administration without awaiting results unless indicated by clinical or past
medical history.
9. Rapid access to and administration of thrombolytic – have immediately at hand prior to CT.
10. Swift imaging availability should be facilitated via IT services for the stroke consultant
within minutes of acquisition to enable prompt decision making in conjunction with onsite
personnel. Pre-notify consultant decision-maker of pending NCCT.
11. Administration of thrombolytic on the imaging table following non-contrast imaging,
where appropriate – supported by hospital policies to permit this.
306090 National Stroke Targets - Action Plan6
12. Team-based approach – parallel workflows for clinical assessment, obtaining venous
access, ordering diagnostic tests and commencing treatment.
13. Prompt data feedback should be provided to both hospital and ambulance staff.
Accurately measuring and tracking door to needle times and key time-markers along
this pathway allows the treating teams to identify areas for improvement and take
appropriate action. A data monitoring and feedback system (such as the Australian Stroke
Clinical Registry) creates a process for providing timely feedback and recommendations
for improvement on a case-by-case basis and in hospital aggregate. This system helps
identify specific preventable delays, devise strategies to overcome them, set targets,
and monitor progress on a case-by-case basis.7,8
IN ADDITION: for CSCs these Endovascular Neurointervention-specific
strategies should be implemented:
1. Pre-notification and rapid activation of the ENI team: The ENI team should be
alerted immediately if a possible candidate for thrombectomy is identified based upon
a pre-specified clinical severity threshold, or non-contrast imaging suggesting a large
vessel occlusion. If a patient is being transferred for potential endovascular therapy,
the ENI team should receive pre-notification and an estimated time of arrival.16,17
2. Rapid availability of the ENI team: The hospital should have a policy in place
specifying the expected call-arrival times to the ENI suite (preferably ≤30 minutes)
that the ENI team on call (neurointerventionalist, radiologist, nurses) need to fulfill.18
3. Expedite transferred patients with known LVO directly from triage to the ENI Suite:
Guided by prespecified protocols, eligible stroke patients, transferred to the
thrombectomy-capable centre from a referral site, should routinely bypass the
Emergency department directly to the ENI suite.17 Exceptions may include patients with
cardiorespiratory instability requiring immediate stabilisation, and patients with significant
improvement to non-disabling symptoms, following long-distance (>3 hour) transfer.14
4. Transfer of patients with newly-identified LVO directly from neuroimaging to the
ENI Suite: Directly-presenting stroke patients eligible for endovascular therapy should be
directly transported from the CT/MR imaging suites to the ENI suite, if ready to receive
the patient, without returning to the Emergency Department.19
5. Endovascular therapy-ready ENI suite: policies and protocols should ensure the ENI
suite is, at all times, in an endovascular therapy-ready state. This includes standardised,
pre-prepared equipment tray/cart for endovascular therapy cases that includes all
necessary equipment for the case (e.g. BRISK: Brisk Recanalization Ischemic Stroke Kit,
with drapes, tubing, syringes, catheters, and devices). Noting that the first-line approach
might not always be possible, institutions should have an agreed routine first-line
endovascular technique (consensus between operators) so that there is less need
for nursing staff to vary equipment/tools based on the person on call.16,18
6. Team-based ENI approach: Parallel workflows by Emergency Department Team,
stroke team, and ENI team, including the neurointerventionalist, interventional
radiographer, anaesthetist and nursing staff, should be utilised to facilitate rapid
angiography and, when indicated, endovascular therapy.16-18,20

7. Anaesthesia access and protocols: Rapid anaesthetic support should be available. General
anaesthesia is not required in non-agitated compliant patients. If general anaesthesia is employed,
induction should be swift and done without allowing a drop in blood pressure (ideally to maintain
systolic blood pressure above 140mm Hg)21,22 while minimising any delay to procedure start. These
workflow recommendations should be tailored to meet the needs of individual institutions.18,23,24
8. Prompt ENI team data feedback: ENI performance metrics should be promptly shared with
appropriate staff utilising thrombolysis data feedback principles stated above.7,8,25

Conclusion

These strategies, if implemented,(Means you're leaving survivors disabled; NOT RECOVERED!) will lead to substantial improvements(So you're trying to normalize your failures?) in stroke unit
access and timely ischaemic stroke reperfusion. Strategies will be reviewed at annual
scientific meetings of the Australian and New Zealand Stroke Organisation (ANZSO), and
further refinements will provide additional assistance in meeting the 30/60/90 National
Stroke Targets, as well as forming a foundation for subsequent system improvements.

The evidence for turning the tide on #stroke is clear. What is needed is a commitment to implementation, write @sheilambrasil & @tamer_roushdy , @WorldStrokeOrg in their blog. Read it & learn more about stroke policies

What absolute fucking bullshit. I see nothing even remotely suggesting anyone is working on 100% recovery. 

Point me directly to what you consider turning the tide and I'll prove you completely wrong! Come on, it ought to be easy to take on stroke-addled me.

The evidence for turning the tide on #stroke is clear. What is needed is a commitment to implementation, write

@sheilambrasil

&

@tamer_roushdy

,

@WorldStrokeOrg

in their blog. Read it & learn more about stroke policies

Doctor claims if you can't do this position, you could die in six years

What absolute bullshit. I haven't been able to do this test for the past 17 years and I doubt I'll ever be able to do it in the next 13 years when I turn 80.

 Doctor claims if you can't do this position, you could die in six years

A so-called health test that was featured on The Today Show, has since gone viral across TikTok for its wild claims. Earlier this month, NBC News medical contributor Dr Natalie Azar suggested that the test is an "indirect marker of your health" – and can even predict how long you'll live. Known as the "sit-to-stand test," the move is seemingly simple – though many TikTokers beg to differ. You start the test by standing, before sitting down crosslegged and attempting to stand up again.  A 2012 study claimed the test is a predictor of mortality for people between the age of 51 and 80. "The study found that the lower the score, you were seven times more likely to die in the next six years," Dr Azar said. But of course, the test should be taken with a pinch of salt as it's not necessarily legitimate. Azar stressed: "As we get older, we spend time talking about cardiovascular health and aerobic fitness, but balance, flexibility and agility are also really important." The segment was soon shared on TikTok, where many users gave the test a go for themselves – and failed miserably. One clip was soon inundated with thousands of comments from fellow TikTokers in hysterics with one joking: "I can't even get down gracefully, so does that cut me down to three years?" "I did it," another joked, before adding: "But I think it took six off my life to do it." A third person also attempted the test, disclaiming "it wasn't pretty." Meanwhile, one TikToker joked: "They say anything on these morning shows."

What to know during National Stroke Awareness Month

Complete lying by omission. The awareness you need to know is that everything in stroke is a complete failure. You're screwed if you have a stroke. NO REHAB PROTOCOLS, you just get worthless guidelines.

See these for details; the problems in stroke, or this nihilism list.  

What to know during National Stroke Awareness Month

by: Kelly Antonacci
Posted: May 5, 2020 / 05:05 PM EDT / Updated: May 6, 2020 / 10:19 AM EDT

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Even as Coronavirus captures the nation’s attention, some advocates are teaching people about another serious illness that has affected more than seven million Americans.
Stroke continues to affect someone every 40 seconds, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), the organization behind WSAV-sponsored events like the Go Red Luncheon.
But now, in the age of a fast-moving pandemic, efforts to educate during the month of May — which is National Stroke Awareness month — are entirely virtual.
“If it wasn’t for organizations like the American Heart Association, we wouldn’t have advances that are here today,”(Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit! It is orgs like you who don't do one damn thing to get survivors 100% recovered. That goal isn't even in your lexicon. You are the problem. ) said AHA Director of Development Ansley Howze.
Howze says she started working with AHA when her father recovered after undergoing several intensive heart surgeries. Tara MacInnes involved herself with AHA because she has a rare brain disorder called Moyamoya.
She recovered from two intensive brain surgeries when she was a teenager. Her husband — who nearly died from an undetected brain aneurysm — and dog are also stroke survivors.
In addition to bringing attention to National Stroke Awareness Month, the MacInneses are staunch advocates for World Moyamoya Day on May 6. And it just so happens, the couple is also celebrating their wedding anniversary this month.
“There’s a lot of isolation, which is a strange word to use right now, particularly during COVID-19,” said Tara MacInnes. “There’s a lot about being a stroke survivor that can be isolating and that brings on a whole lot of other things, particularly anxiety and depression.”
People with underlying health conditions are more at risk during the pandemic. Despite that, MacInnes — who has always taken the high -road — says her focus is on the word ‘fast.’ It represents the symptoms of a stroke.

• F: Face drooping?
• A: Arm weakness?
• S: Speech difficulty?
• T: Time to call 911.

Horze says people are hesitant to call 911 — especially now during the pandemic — when they experience symptoms of a stroke. The quicker you call, however, the more likely you are to recover.
Donations to AHA go directly to research and support for survivors. Horze says the organization has a $2.5 million grant to understand COVID-19’s affect on people with heart and brain diseases.
If you’d like to help with other initiatives, consider donating at the following link. You can also call (843)480-4906.

Copyright 2020 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Our Opinion: Strokes beatable through fast action, rehab

Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit.

No, you haven't addressed how to fix any of these problems and only 10% get fully recovered.  tPA only fully works 12% of the time.

Doesn't sound beatable at all.

1. 30% get spasticity NOTHING THAT WILL CURE IT.

2. At least half of all stroke survivors experience fatigue Or is it 70%?

Or is it 40%?

NOTHING THAT WILL CURE IT.

3. Over half of stroke patients have attention problems.

NOTHING THAT WILL CURE IT.

4.  The incidence of constipation was 48%.

NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL CURE IT.

5. No EXACT stroke protocols that address any of your muscle limitations.

6. Poststroke depression(33% chance)

NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL ADDRESS IT. 

7.  Poststroke anxiety(20% chance) NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL ADDRESS IT. 

8. Posttraumatic stress disorder(23% chance)  NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL ADDRESS IT.

  9.  12% tPA efficacy for full recovery NO ONE IS WORKING ON SOMETHING BETTER.

10.  10% seizures post stroke NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL ADDRESS IT. 

11. 21% of patients had developed cachexia NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL ADDRESS IT. 

 

12. You lost 5 cognitive years from your stroke  NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL ADDRESS IT.

13.  33% dementia chance post-stroke from an Australian study?

       Or is it 17-66%?

       Or is it 20% chance in this research?

NO PROTOCOLS THAT WILL ADDRESS THIS

 

Our Opinion: Strokes beatable through fast action, rehab 

This coming Tuesday is World Stroke Day, a day set aside to focus on the medical condition that kills about 5 percent of the population.
This year, the National Stroke Association(Please remove stroke from your name, you don't know what you are talking about.) is emphasizing to stroke survivors that strokes can be beatable(Liar). The key is rehabilitation, which can be tedious, agonizing and slow. We've seen our loved ones suffer through it. Relearning to speak, relearning to walk, to do simple tasks such as use utensils.
But we've also seen it work. We've seen improvements. They often don't come quickly enough and only after much effort.
If you're a loved one of a stroke victim, encourage that effort daily, and celebrate the small victories constantly.
The National Stroke Association reminds people strokes don't discriminate. They can happen to anyone, at any age, despite the misconception they only happen to older people. About 25 percent of the people on this planet will have a stroke in their lifetime.
The good news is that rehabilitation, along with modern medicine, has improved greatly. But it takes a team effort between the stroke victims, their families and the rehabilitation team.
Stroke treatment begins as soon as you suspect yourself or your loved one of having a stroke. Every minute counts, which is why the association promotes FAST. The acronym stands for:
Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech Difficulty: Is speech slurred? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue."
Time to Call 9-1-1: If someone shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital immediately.
Adherence to these tips can greatly minimize the effects of strokes, and cause the needed rehabilitation to be quicker and less tedious.

Stroke recovery guidelines important to making full recovery

Oh god, what complete and utter bullshit. 

Stroke recovery guidelines important to making full recovery

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) - After a stroke, you might experience paralysis, numbness, depression, and problems with memory, speech, understanding, and attention. But it is possible to recover with hard work and dedication.(Really, what fucking universe do you live in?)

Every 40 seconds, someone in America has a stroke. According to the CDC, stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability. But only ten percent of survivors fully recover. So how can you maximize your recovery?

Start ASAP! Rehabilitation can start 24 to 48 hours after a stroke. S. Tom Carmichael, MD, PhD, Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, says to focus on the hard parts.

“So, if you’re having trouble with reach and grasp of the arm, the key is to not let that dangle and open the peanut butter jar just with your good hand but to actively engage and try to use your hand in meaningful tasks,” said Dr. Carmichael. (But you have nothing specific, so you are spouting useless crapola.)

A strict physical and occupational therapy schedule should show results in the first four months, and many patients continue therapy up to two years after their stroke. But be careful…there are things that can slow recovery.

Dr. Carmichael continued, “There are certain few things that may make things worse and that’s if you strengthen some of the muscles that are preserved. I’ve had patients who will do a lot of arm curls, and that’s actually the wrong thing to strengthen because there’s a natural mismatch.”

Stroke recovery apps like Medisafe, Constant Therapy, and Elevate, help with work outs, reminders, speech, and cognitive therapy.

Researchers at the Ohio State University College of Medicine have developed a novel stroke therapy that works better than the standard of care when tested in mice and dogs. Phase one clinical trials are the next step.

Copyright 2019 WMC. All rights reserved. Contributors to this news report include: Hayley Hudson, Field Producer; Roque Correa, Editor.

Surviving a Stroke - A neurologist talks about treating and recognizing strokes

Notice that the Overton window is so small, nobody is even thinking of 100% recovery. That is the complete and total fucking failure of the stroke medical world. They all need to be keel hauled.

Surviving a Stroke - A neurologist talks about treating and recognizing strokes

Once, in the not-so-distant past, doctors treated strokes in an after-the-fact manner: The stroke occurred, did its damage and then — if the patient survived — a rehabilitation team stepped in to address the stroke's debilitating effects.
But in 1996, the Food and Drug Administration approved tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), which has the power to dissolve the blood clots that lead to ischemic strokes (strokes caused by an interruption in blood flow to the brain) and help restore normal blood flow to the brain if administered in a prompt manner.
The timing of treatment is crucial since lost time can lead to lost brain function.
Today, stroke specialists like those found at Rush follow a timed, standardized set of procedures, which requires that diagnostic tests and treatment be given as quickly as possible.(Notice that nothing is said about results, you can be treated quickly, still die and the doctor has been a success since you had the procedure in time.)
This approach to stroke care has had a significant impact on patient outcomes, both in terms of survival and quality of life. James Conners, MD, MS, a stroke neurologist at Rush, sheds some light on stroke survival and recent advances.

Number of stroke survivors on the rise

We've seen a decline in the number of total strokes each year as well as the number of stroke deaths per year.
From 1997 to 2007 the number of stroke deaths dropped by nearly 19 percent, which indicates significant progress. (But you are totally ignoring that only 10% of survivors fully recover. THAT is an appalling failure rate. You don't even mention that.)
Stroke has historically been the third leading cause of death in the United States; however, based on preliminary data from the Centers for Disease control, cerebrovascular disease may now rank fourth among all causes of death, after diseases of the heart, cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases.
Stroke incidence is also declining over time. Over the last 30 years, lifetime risk of stroke by 65 years of age decreased from approximately 20 percent to 15 percent, so we're definitely making progress.(Bullshit, bullshit, bullshit. You are ignoring the disability side. THIS is why survivors need to be in charge. We have blithering idiots ignoring important stuff.)

A different approach to stroke treatment 

The improvement in stroke survival rates is due to many factors, including advances in treatment soon after stroke and stroke prevention.
We now have multiple treatment options for patients who suffer from ran acute stroke the first time, including clot busting medications like t-PA and endovascular devices that can be used to reopen blocked blood vessels.
We're also now more aware of stroke risk factors, and we're better at controlling those risk factors with lifestyle modifications and, when necessary, medications. Better detection and treatment of high blood pressure have played significant roles, in addition to the use of new antiplatelet medications, statins to help lower cholesterol and improved control of diabetes.
Abnormal heart rhythms, like atrial fibrillation, can also lead to stroke. New medications, such as blood thinners, may help patients who have atrial fibrillation and are at risk of having blood clots form in the heart, which can then dislodge and travel up into the brain causing stroke. The blood thinners help to prevent the blood clots from forming.

Technological advances = better survival rates 

Today's imaging technology allows us to detect stroke within minutes of the first symptoms, visualize blood vessels in the brain that may be blocked as well as determine where blood is and isn't flowing.
It is helpful to know where blood flow is blocked when you are considering an intervention to reopen the vessel and it also helpful for us to understand the stroke mechanism or what's causing the stroke. This all assists in the decision-making process and helps us improve outcomes.
To treat strokes successfully and limit damage to the brain and body, treatment with clot-busting medications must begin within just a few hours of a stroke's onset.
Unfortunately, access to stroke neurologists is greatly limited at many hospitals, so many stroke patients do not receive specialized stroke care in a timely manner. With this in mind, Rush has started a telemedicine program to partner with community hospitals.
Telemedicine involves advanced videoconferencing and imaging technology to allow a stroke neurologist to assess patients remotely. The videoconferencing capability gives the added benefit of seeing and talking to the patient face-to-face. We are able to examine the patient and review radiologic imaging, which aids in a quick and accurate diagnosis.
With telemedicine, we diagnose stroke patients at remote locations quickly and recommend plans of care, which ultimately will lead to improved patient outcomes.

The key take-home point is that if you suspect a stroke, don't delay: Time is brain. Each minute a stroke goes untreated, 1.9 million brain cells die, increasing the potential for disability and death.

What you can do to improve your chances of surviving a stroke

One of the most important ways to improve your chances of surviving a stroke is to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke. The acronym FAST is an easy way to remember signs of stroke and what to do if you think a stroke has occurred. The following are symptoms to look for:

• Numbness or weakness of the face, or an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion
• Trouble speaking or understanding
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Difficulty walking
• Dizziness
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Severe headache with no known cause

If you or someone around you has the sudden onset of any of these symptoms, call 911 and ask to be taken to the closest primary stroke center.
Primary stroke center designation is given by the health care accrediting organization the Joint Commission to hospitals like Rush, which tailor treatment to individual needs as well as encourage communication, adhere to national stroke guidelines and continually assess and improve how care is delivered.
The key take-home point is that if you suspect a stroke, don't delay: Time is brain. Each minute a stroke goes untreated, 1.9 million brain cells die, increasing the potential for disability and death.
With our current treatments, however, we can prevent further damage and improve outcomes in many patients.

Take steps to reduce your stroke risk

To prevent a stroke, a healthy diet and moderate exercise are absolute musts. According to the American Stroke Association, a healthy level of physical activity for adults ages 18 to 65 should be at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week.
You can also use the following strategies to change the way you prepare your meals to help reduce your risk for stroke:

• Keep portions moderate
• Drink more water; hydration is important for overall health
• Limit your use of salt: Use vinegar, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, garlic and onions instead of salt
• Limit use of sugar
• Use canola, olive, corn or safflower oil in cooking
• Buy fresh lean cuts of meat and trim the fat before cooking
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables