HELPFUL DEFINITIONS
A stroke can be stressful enough - add all the new terminology to that experience and it can get quite tiring! Find some terms below to help you along your recovery journey!
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that originated thousands of years ago. It is based on the premise that a blockage or disturbance in the flow of the body's life energy, or “qi,” can cause health issues.
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
APHASIA
Aphasia is an impairment of language, affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write.
BOOT CAMP
Most neuro therapy clinics offer their patients the opportunity to engage in a week-long set of therapy sessions, some of which offer a 1-3 ratio of therapist to patient. You can find one to participate too - click here!
DENIAL OF DEFICIT
Simply, it means denial that you have a deficit. Resistance to one’s reality. Not accepting one's situation.
DIAPHRAGM
The diaphragm is the primary muscle used in respiration. In my case, my voice changed to a lower pitch and I could no longer carry a tune. At one point, my partner said, “You might want to stop singing for a while.”
DOPAMINE
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. Many different kinds of animals and humans use it to transmit information.
DYSPHAGIA
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing or paralysis of the throat muscles.
EDEMA
Swelling. In my case, my affected hand (left) was swollen for 4-6 weeks, causing severe pain and the inability to function in therapy.
FOOT DROP
Foot drop is characterized by inability or impaired ability to raise the toes or raise the foot from the ankle (dorsiflexion).
LASER TREATMENT
My chiropractic neurologist, Dr. Trevor Berry this laser on my brain, combined with oxygen treatments to enhance the laser’s effectiveness, to reduce inflammation and provide healing for my stroke-damaged brain.
LOCK BOX
A lock box is a rectangular plastic box the is affixed to your home, near the front door.
NATUROPATH
They diagnose, prevent, and treat acute and chronic illness to restore and establish optimal health by supporting the person's inherent self-healing process.
NEUROTRANSMITTER
A chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse
NEUROPLASTICITY
The word neuroplasticity is the combination of 2 words: neuron and plasticity. Neurons are the nerve cells in your brain; and plasticity means that you can mold or reorganize something.
PANIC ATTACK
A panic attack is the abrupt onset of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, OT
An Occupational Therapist works on the upper extremities of the body, as well as lifestyle issues, in a stroke therapy session.
PHYSICAL THERAPY, PT
Physical Therapy practitioners address the most basic tasks and movements first.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Psychotherapy can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so a person can function better and can increase well-being and healing.
RECOVERY DEVICE
Basically, anything that assists a stroke survivor with recovering the use of the affected portions of the body could be called a recovery device.
SEROTONIN
Serotonin is a hormone found in the human body that transmits signals between nerve cells and causes blood vessels to narrow.
SPASTICITY
Spasticity can cause long periods of strong contractions in major muscle groups, causing painful muscle spasms.
VICTIM SYNDROME/MENTALITY
Victim mentality depends on clear thought processes and attribution.