One of the most misunderstood and emotionally distressing stroke side effects is pseudobulbar affect (PBA). This is a condition that causes sudden, uncontrollable episodes of crying or laughing, often at inappropriate times. These emotional outbursts aren’t a sign of depression or a mental health issue, but rather a neurological response to stroke-related brain damage. For both survivors and caregivers, PBA can feel…

A transient ischemic attack (TIA), often called a “mini-stroke,” is your body’s urgent warning signal, and ignoring it could have devastating consequences.

Being familiar with the signs of stroke and responding quickly can save an aging adult’s life or reduce their chance of developing significant disabilities. Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States and affects nearly 800,000 people each year. It also causes more serious long-term disabilities than any other disease. We explain what a stroke is, common stroke…

For many stroke survivors, the simple act of getting dressed can feel like a mountain to climb. What used to take minutes might now take much longer, often leading to frustration for both the survivor and their caregiver. However, regaining this skill is a powerful milestone in recovery, offering a sense of dignity and a tangible step toward independence. With patience, the…

Rehab helps stroke survivors regain abilities Rehabilitation and physical therapy help stroke survivors relearn skills that are lost when parts of their brain are damaged. Rehab also teaches new ways of doing things to compensate for disabilities or create new brain pathways for that skill. For example, learning to coordinate leg muscles to walk or learning to dress with only one arm.…