What You Must Know About Strokes: How to Recover from a Stroke and Prevent Another Stroke

Towfighi, director of neurological services for the Los Angeles County Department of Health, and Stevens (Solving the Puzzle of Your ADD/ADHD Child) make the science of strokes accessible in this guide to stroke causes, prevention, and recovery. The authors break down how the brain receives oxygen via bloodflow, and describe the different types of strokes: ischemic (caused by “plaque in large arteries, or clots that originate in the heart”) and hemorrhagic (strokes in the brain). On what happens after having a stroke, readers are walked through what to expect in the first 24 hours at a hospital and potential treatment options, among them occupational and physical therapy. The authors also cover stroke prevention—recommendations include a diet of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables—as well as unexpected symptoms, such as anxiety and depression that one may experience after a stroke. Charts appear throughout to make technical explanations more accessible, as with a table called “Stroke Location and Its Associated Effects” that lays out the artery affected by a stroke and the common symptoms that go with it. Packed with information, this is a must-read for anyone with questions about strokes. (Oct.)