There are some common symptoms in left and right side stroke, but various symptoms occur depending on the affected part of the brain stroke.

5 symptoms of left/right stroke

As the third leading cause of death in the U.S.
[http://www.strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/stroke-statistics/], stroke
is a fairly common occurrence. Therefore, it is beneficial to know the symptoms
of stroke and how a stroke can affect different body functions.



A stroke on the left side of the brain will affect the right side of the body,
while a stroke on the right side of the brain will affect the left side of the
body. Brain functions are not perfectly symmetrical, though. This is why a
stroke on the left versus right side of the brain might have different effects.

Reviewing the many structures and functions of the brain can help better
understand the differences between a right or left side stroke.


Brain Structures and Functions Overview

 * About the brain
 * Symptoms - left side stroke
 * Symptoms - right side stroke
 * Symptoms - cerebellum/brainstem stroke
 * Conclusion


About the brain
The brain has many different roles:

 * Responsible for activities such as movement, memory, sensing, language,
   learning, and emotions
 * Regulates survival functions like metabolism
 * Takes up only 2% of body space, but it consumes 20% of the body’s energy!

The brain is a small organ with an average weight of three pounds. Yet, it’s an
incredibly complex one: made up of 100 billion neurons and 1,000 trillion
synapses.

The brain is divided into 3 main areas:


1) Cerebrum
The cerebrum is the biggest part of the brain. The brain is made up of 2
hemispheres, the left hemisphere, and the right hemisphere. Each hemisphere is
responsible for controlling different functions in our bodies.

For example, the left hemisphere is responsible for: logic, language skills,
oral function, sequencing, linear thinking, mathematics, critical thinking, and
judgment/reasoning. The right hemisphere is responsible for: imagination, art,
nonverbal cues, visualization, rhythm, and intuition.

The saying that people are creative "right-brained" thinkers or analytical
"left-brained" thinkers is a simplified way to explain the fact that some
proceeses and functions reside more in one half of the brain than the other.

Physically, the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and
the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body. For example, if
the left side of the body is affected, then the stroke likely happened in the
right hemisphere. What if the right side of the body is affected? You guessed
it, the left hemisphere of the brain was affected by the stroke. This is called
a contralateral relationship.


2) Cerebellum
The cerebellum is located in the back of the cerebrum. Even though it is smaller
than the cerebrum, it actually contains more nerve cells. The cerebellum is
involved in controlling muscle tones, from contracting to relaxing. The
cerebellum also coordinates voluntary body movements to ensure the smooth
performance of activities like balancing, walking, and reaching.


3) Brainstem
The brainstem is located in the middle of the brain, connecting the brain and
spinal cord. Since the brainstem plays a major role in sustaining life
functions, damage to the brainstem can be fatal. Its roles include:

 1. Life-sustaining functions such as breathing, consciousness, and temperature
    control
 2. Transmitting movement and sensory signals from the brain to the spinal cord
    for passage throughout the nervous system


Five Symptoms of Left and Right Side Strokes


Common Symptoms of a Stroke in the Left Side of the Brain
Every stroke is different and will affect people differently based on its
severity. However, if someone has a left side stroke it can cause the following
five symptoms:



 1. Weakness or paralysis to the right side of the body
    Weakness is caused by damage to the brain and not damage to the limb itself.
    
    
 2. Aphasia (speaking, language problems)
    Since the left side of the brain controls language many people who have
    suffered from a left-sided stroke may have difficulties speaking or
    understanding language, this is called aphasia.
    
    
 3. Cognitive impairments
    The left side of the brain controls critical thinking, judgment, reasoning,
    and sequencing, therefore, having a stroke on the left side of the brain can
    cause someone to have varying levels of cognitive impairments.
    
    
 4. Swallowing Difficulties
    [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/swallowing-changes-after-stroke]
    The left side of the brain controls all oral functions which include chewing
    and swallowing. After a left-sided stroke one may have trouble chewing and
    swallowing. One may be put on a feeding tube until they are able to relearn
    how to swallow or chew.
    
    
 5. Visual impairments
    [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/vision-changes-after-stroke]
    After having a stroke on the left side of the brain it is common for someone
    to suffer from visual impairments in the right eye. It is common for someone
    to lose half of their visual field in their right eye which is called
    hemianopia. One may also present with neglect to the right side of the body
    which is called visuospatial neglect.
    
    

All of the above-noted symptoms of a left-sided stroke are caused by damage in
the brain. In order to retrain the brain after a left-sided stroke, it is
important to strengthen the neural pathways that control all of these behaviors
and movements by doing repetitive exercises. The more repetitive exercises and
movements one does, the stronger the pathways in the brain will become. This is
called neuroplasticity.



Common Symptoms of a Stroke in the Right Side of the Brain
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. Below are some
common symptoms that right side stroke includes.



 1. Weakness or paralysis to the left side of the body
    Weakness is caused by damage to the brain affecting nerve signal
    transmission to the rest of the body, not damage to the limb itself.
    
    
 2. Agnosia
    The ability to recognize objects, faces, voices or places can change after a
    brain injury. Individuals may need help interpreting an object with
    non-visual cues to make up for their inability to tell what something is
    with their eyes. In most cases, the body's ability to recognize things
    increases over time. However, some people will not fully recover from
    agnosia.
    
    
 3. Anomia
    The ability to recall names of everyday objects may be affected. Despite
    knowing the purpose or shape of the object, the person will feel like the
    target word is on the "tip of their tongue" but not be able to remember it.
    This skill can get better over time, but for some, anomia will be a lasting
    communication problem.
    
    
 4. Attention
    Focusing attention on a conversation or paying attention to multiple things
    at once may be impacted by stroke. There are ways that individuals can use
    external reminders and aids to make up for attention deficits.
    
    
 5. Perseveration (the repetition of a particular response)
    Someone may have difficulty maintaining conversation or sequencing movement
    correctly. They may repeat a word or action or not be able to control the
    speed of their response. During a conversation, they might get stuck on a
    sentence or idea. During a task, they might continue to perform a part of
    the action and not move onto the next step. In these cases, treatment is
    needed with help to control behavior so that the patient can understand how
    to move through the entire task again.
    
    



Symptoms of stroke in the cerebellum and brainstem
1) Symptoms of a cerebellum stroke

Although strokes are less common in the cerebellum area, the effects can be
severe.
Common effects of strokes in the cerebellum include:

 * Inability to walk and problems with coordination and balance (ataxia
   [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/what-is-ataxia])


2) Symptoms of a brainstem stroke

The brainstem is located at the base of the brain right above the spinal cord.
Many of the body’s vital “life-support” functions are controlled by the
brainstem. It also helps to control the main nerves involved with eye movement,
chewing, and swallowing and maintains the homeostasis.

Examples of functions on brainstem:

 * Breathing and heart functions
 * Body temperature control
 * Balance and coordination
 * Chewing, swallowing, and speaking
 * Vision
 * Coma

A stroke in the brainstem can be fatal. Some individuals who survive brainstem
strokes are left with Locked-In Syndrome
[https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/locked-in-syndrome/], a rare condition
in they cannot make voluntary movements other than with their eyes.





Conclusion

The human nervous system has neuroplasticity. While damaged brain cells will not
survive, neurons in intact brain areas continue to expand and change even after
the acute incident (from 6 months and beyond).

These neurons can take over the information and roles that the damaged area was
responsible for, and the body changes accordingly. Neuroplasticity regenerates
the brain's nerves and improves body functions through sensory and motor stimuli
from the outside. This is why ongoing rehabilitation is beneficial after a
stroke.

One way to continue to make progress in strengthening your neural pathways is
using Neofect Smart Glove or Smart Board [https://www.neofect.com/us/for-home].
These products can help the brain's ability to rewire itself and to increase the
range of motion and strength in the upper extremities. The best part is that
they do this with fun and engaging games! To learn more about the Neofect Smart
Rehab Solutions, please call us at 888-623-8947 or email us at 
contactus@neofect.com.

--
Source

 * National Stroke Association - http://www.stroke.org/
 * Johns Hopkins Medicine - 
   https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stroke/effects-of-stroke

Stroke Symptoms

5 Symptoms and Differences of Left and Right Side Strokes

Ataxia refers to the loss of control of voluntary movements of the body, including the limbs, face, or eyes. It is usually considered a symptom of an underlying diagnosis.

What is Ataxia?

Ataxia Overview
Ataxia refers to the loss of control of voluntary movements of the body,
including the limbs, face, or eyes. (1) It is a rare disorder with many proposed
forms that are thought to affect common actions including walking, reaching,
speaking, and seeing. Ataxia is usually considered to be a symptom of an
underlying diagnosis like stroke, cerebral palsy (CP), multiple sclerosis, or a
brain tumor, rather than an independent occurrence. (2) For purposes of this
article, we will discuss ataxia as a neurological symptom, its effects on upper
and lower extremity function, and supportive strategies to improve daily living
skills while living with ataxia.



What causes ataxia?
Ataxia often results from damage to a brain area called the cerebellum, a
structure that regulates coordination of movement and balance. It can affect one
side of the body (known as hemi-ataxia) or both, and can occur at any age
depending on its underlying cause. Ataxia can present quickly, following an
acute event like a stroke, or slowly over the course of years alongside a
neurodegenerative disease. For individuals with CP, ataxia may be present from
birth. At this time, there is no cure for ataxia; however, prompt therapeutic
intervention can improve functional outcomes. (2, 3, 4)



What does ataxia look like?
Ataxia symptoms can make an individual look as if they are clumsy. Ataxia
affecting the arms can cause difficulty holding and using objects as well as
decreased accuracy in reaching targets. Symptoms of ataxia affecting the core
and legs might present as impaired sitting or standing balance, unsteady
walking, and falling. (5) Unlike apraxia
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/what-is-apraxia], another coordination
disorder, individuals with ataxia remain aware of the purpose of their actions
and associated tool use; however, their muscles do not respond in the correct
way to accomplish the desired task efficiently. (6)

Therapeutic Treatments for Ataxia
There are many different options for treating ataxia with the help of an
occupational or physical therapist. Conventional OT and PT services aim to
improve independence and safety with daily living tasks. Occupational therapy
focuses on life skills from the basics, like eating, dressing, and grooming, to
bigger-picture tasks related to performing optimally at school or work. Physical
therapy addresses posture, balance, and walking so the individual can move
around with less assistance. Both OT and PT may incorporate strengthening and
cooridnation exercises as well as adaptive equipment or assistive device
recommendations into their treatment plans.



Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT)
CIMT
[https://blog.neofect.com/using-neofect-smartglove-to-maximize-constraint-induced-movement-therapy/] 
is a therapeutic intervention that can improve grasping, reaching, and in-hand
manipulation skills by constraining an individual’s less affected arm in a mitt,
cast, or sling, thereby forcing them to use their more affected side for the
majority of the time. A therapist will then lead the individual through
intensive training involving repetitive task performance to promote improved
functional use of the limb and increased motivation to use it when not
constrained. CIMT is commonly performed with children, but can be done with
adults with ataxia as well. (7)

Hippotherapy
Also known as equine assisted therapy, horseback riding under the direction of
an occupational or physical therapist is another treatment that is shown to
improve mobility and coordination for individuals with ataxia. This intervention
engages multiple body systems through incorporation of activities including
achieving and changing positions while on horseback. Hippotherapy promotes
improved core strength and posture that extends into better walking skills and
more accurate reaching to targets. (8)

Virtual Reality (VR)
VR therapy is a newer approach to treating coordination disorders using a fun
and stimulating video game environment. Systems including the Nintendo Wii, XBox
Kinect, and NEOFECT Smart Glove
[https://www.neofect.com/en/product/stroke-therapy-hand/] and Smart Board
incorporate motion-sensing technology to alter gameplay and provide feedback
about the quality of movement during repetitive task training. Studies
evaluating consistent use of these systems have shown that daily gameplay can
produce lasting improvements in arm and finger function for daily tasks. (9)



Ultimately, ataxia can be a challenging symptom to address due to the variety of
diagnoses that it may stem from. However, therapeutic interventions have shown
promise in reducing ataxia-related incoordination or providing means to
compensate for it. If you think you might be experiencing ataxia and are seeking
treatment options, please discuss your concerns with your medical team.

The NEOFECT [https://www.neofect.com/en/] line of Smart Rehabilitation Solutions
can assist with coordination difficulties stemming from stroke or other
neurological diagnoses. Our neurorehabilitation products include support from
occupational therapists to maximize functional gains. Please call (866) 534-4989
or email contactus@neofect.com for further inquiry.

 1. Columbia University Department of Neurology. (2015). Ataxia. Retrieved from 
    http://www.columbianeurology.org/neurology/staywell/document.php?id=35869
 2. Ashizawa, T., & Xia, G. (2016). Ataxia. Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.),
    22(4), 1208–1226. doi:10.1212/CON.0000000000000362
 3. Brunberg JA; Expert Panel on Neurologic Imaging. Ataxia. AJNR Am J
    Neuroradiol. 2008 Aug;29(7):1420-1422.
 4. Fernandez, H. (2019). Ataxia. Retrieved from 
    http://www.movementdisorders.org/MDS/About/Movement-Disorder-Overviews/Ataxia.htm
 5. National Ataxia Foundation. (2019). What is Ataxia? Retrieved from 
    https://ataxia.org/what-is-ataxia/#ataxiaSymptoms
 6. NORD National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2003). Apraxia. Retrieved
    from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/apraxia/
 7. Reiss, A. P., Wolf, S. L., Hammel, E. A., Mcleod, E. L., & Williams, E. A.
    (2012). Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT): Current Perspectives and
    Future Directions. Stroke Research and Treatment, 1–8. doi:
    10.1155/2012/159391
 8. Shurtleff, T. L., Standeven, J. W., & Engsberg, J. R. (2009). Changes in
    Dynamic Trunk/Head Stability and Functional Reach After Hippotherapy.
    Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 90(7), 1185–1195. doi:
    10.1016/j.apmr.2009.01.026
 9. Hartley, H., Cassidy, E., Bunn, L., Kumar, R., Pizer, B., Lane, S., &
    Carter, B. (2019). Exercise and Physical Therapy Interventions for Children
    with Ataxia: A Systematic Review. The Cerebellum. doi:
    10.1007/s12311-019-01063-z

For more information on Ataxia
National Ataxia Foundation - What is Ataxia [https://ataxia.org/what-is-ataxia/]
Mayo Clinic - Ataxia
[https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ataxia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355652]
Johns Hopkins Medicine - Ataxia
[https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/ataxia/conditions/index.html]
WebMD - Ataxia: What Are the Types?
[https://www.webmd.com/brain/ataxia-types-brain-and-nervous-system#1]

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not
intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you
think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Reliance on any information provided by the NEOFECT website is solely at your
own risk.

Post-Stroke

Apraxia is a disorder that can result from a stroke, brain injury, brain tumor, or neurodegenerative disease. This condition usually results from damage to the left hemisphere of the brain.

What is Apraxia?



What does it mean to have apraxia?
Throughout the course of a day, the human body is constantly coordinating
movement. Routine actions that might seem effortless, like waving hello,
catching a ball, or using a toothbrush, are actually the result of the brain
sending a precise series of messages to the limbs to move the muscles.
Therapists often use the term “motor planning” to refer to the ability to
perform movements in the right order to form actions. (1) However, when brain
areas controlling movement are damaged, a breakdown in motor planning can occur.
This breakdown can also be referred to as apraxia.

Apraxia is a disorder that can result from a stroke, brain injury, brain tumor,
or neurodegenerative disease. This condition usually results from damage to the
left hemisphere of the brain and can affect one or more areas of the body,
including the arms, legs, or even the face. (2) The scientific community has not
yet reached an agreement on the many proposed forms of apraxia or how to
classify them. (3) For purposes of this article, we will explore how apraxia can
affect actions related to arm movements and how this condition can be treated by
therapists and caregivers alike.

How can you tell if someone has apraxia?
Apraxic movement errors are not caused by one-sided arm weakness
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/hemiplegia-vs-hemiparesis] related to a
neurological event. In fact, a person who has apraxia might not have noticeable
arm weakness at all. Instead, they might look like their arm movements are
slowed down or clumsy. This is because their brain has lost the ability to
smoothly motor plan actions from start to finish. They may now need to spend
more time thinking through the individual steps of a task.

Apraxia can affect a person’s ability to perform or copy a gesture, even after
being asked and given a visual demonstration. Someone with apraxia may not be
able to mimic the thumbs up or down sign or wave upon command. Apraxia can also
cause reduced understanding of the purpose of objects, resulting in incorrect
tool use. (4) For example, a person with apraxia might demonstrate using a
hammer by holding it upside down or raking it across a table. They might bring a
hairbrush to their mouth or brush their hair in upward strokes instead of
downward.


Copying a simple gesture might be difficult for someone with apraxia, as they
may no longer understand its meaning.

The automatic ability to perform a familiar movement or use a common object may
be preserved despite apraxia. A person with apraxia might be able to pick up a
telephone as it rings or spontaneously wave goodbye to a family member even when
they cannot demonstrate either action upon command. Automatic performance of arm
movements may not always be present or retained consistently. (5) Regardless,
when working with people with apraxia, it is best to practice re-learning simple
tasks in their natural context for maximum skill carryover.

How can I help my loved one with apraxia?
A good approach to helping someone with apraxia is establishing a consistent
routine of daily tasks. (6) A well-rounded routine can include eating meals,
getting dressed, performing hygiene, and completing familiar chores or leisure
activities. It is advised to structure basic tasks in the same order every day
as able and to minimize distractions in the environment (limit unnecessary items
and noise) so the affected person can stay focused. Provide hand-over-hand
guidance in addition to verbal instructions if the person with apraxia seems
stuck on a movement or begins to perform it incorrectly. Once you have begun
guiding the correct movement pattern, attempt to fade guidance to see if the
individual can continue the step of the task or perform the remainder of the
action by themselves.


Remove clutter and unnecessary items in common workspaces to maximize success.

Through repetition of familiar actions and task grading (adjusting a daily
routine to include easier or more complicated tasks based on performance) it is
thought that movement patterns can be restored so that actions are performed
more automatically. However, for some, apraxia will be a long-lasting condition.
(7) It is important to be patient and understanding when interacting with
someone with apraxia, as they might need more time or some extra physical help
to get started doing the things they want to do.

As apraxia often occurs alongside aphasia
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/stroke-lingo-part-1], a communication disorder,
it is important to provide multiple ways to understand the task at hand whether
it is verbal, written, or visual instruction via demonstration or pictures. (8)
It is also advised to consider related coordination disorders when diagnosing
apraxia, including ataxia [https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/what-is-ataxia]. If
you are unsure whether the symptoms you or a loved one is exhibiting are related
to apraxia, discuss your concerns with a medical or therapy team.

The NEOFECT [https://www.neofect.com/en/] line of Smart Rehabilitation Solutions
can assist with coordination difficulties stemming from stroke or other
neurological diagnoses. Our neurorehabilitation products include support from
occupational therapists to maximize your functional gains. Please call (866)
534-4989 or email contactus@neofect.com for further inquiry.

 1. Wong AL, Haith AM, Krakauer JW. Motor Planning. The Neuroscientist.
    2014;21(4):385-398. doi:10.1177/1073858414541484.
 2. Gross R. G., Grossman M. (2008). Update on apraxia. Curr. Neurol. Neurosci.
    Rep. 8 490–496. 10.1007/s11910-008-0078-y
 3. Petreska B, Adriani M, Blanke O, Billard AG. Apraxia: a review. Prog Brain
    Res. 2007;164:61–83.
 4. Fernandez YM, Frucht SJ. Primary progressive apraxia: an unusual ideomotor
    syndrome. Journal of Clinical Movement Disorders. 2017;4(1).
    doi:10.1186/s40734-017-0064-0.
 5. Rapcsak S, Ochipa C, Beeson P, Rubens A. Praxis and the Right Hemisphere.
    Brain and Cognition. 1993;23(2):181-202. doi:10.1006/brcg.1993.1054.
 6. Heugten CV, Geusgens C. Strategies to Compensate for Apraxia Among Stroke
    Clients. International Handbook of Occupational Therapy Interventions.
    January 2009:241-248. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-75424-6_22.
 7. Donkervoort M, Dekker J, Deelman B. The course of apraxia and ADL
    functioning in left hemisphere stroke patients treated in rehabilitation
    centres and nursing homes. Clinical Rehabilitation. 2006;20(12):1085-1093.
    doi:10.1177/0269215506071257.
 8. Kobayashi S, Ugawa Y (2013) Relationships between Aphasia and Apraxia. J
    Neurol Transl Neurosci 2(1): 1028.

For More Information on Apraxia:
WebMD - Apraxia: Symptoms, Causes, Tests, Treatments
[https://www.webmd.com/brain/apraxia-symptoms-causes-tests-treatments#1]
Wikipedia - Apraxia [https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apraxia]
National Organization of Rare Disorders - Apraxia
[https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/apraxia/]

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not
intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you
think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Reliance on any information provided by the NEOFECT website is solely at your
own risk.

Ella is a personal development blogger, habit coach, motivational speaker, and stroke thriver.

Stroke Recovery Stories- Ella's Story



Ella is a personal development blogger, habit coach, motivational speaker, and
stroke thriver. As someone who overcame the huge life changes that stem from
having a stroke at the young age of 14, Ella pushed herself forward and used her
experiences with stroke to bring awareness and positivity to the stroke
community.

Her Story:

“There’s no way this is anything more than a standard migraine,” I thought while
clutching my head sitting on the bathroom floor in tears.
I was confused because I never experienced headaches or migraines, yet what I
was feeling in that moment felt like my head was about to explode. I decided to
suck it up, so I grabbed a book from my locker and headed to my fifth period
grade 9 drama class. I walked into class and immediately passed out from what I
thought was simply the pain in my head. What actually happened was a malformed
group of blood vessels in my cerebellum had just ruptured, and the “migraine" I
felt was my brain absorbing the blood.

On that day, January 10, 2008, not even 3 months after my 14th birthday, I
experienced an arteriovenous malformation
[https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriovenous-malformation/symptoms-causes/syc-20350544] 
rupture in my cerebellum, and 2 hemorrhagic strokes. And boy did that screw up
my plans of playing soccer professionally and being a big shot lawyer.

Since the damage occurred on the left side of my cerebellum and right side of my
cortex, I lost some control over the left side of my body. I also experienced
balance loss, a period of short-term memory loss, a diagnosis of dysarthria
[https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/dysarthria/], and some peripheral
vision loss. Rehab consisted mostly of physiotherapy, the use of a walker (which
was not fun whatsoever), and frequent appointments with a speech pathologist.
And although I was 14 at the time, athletic, healthy, and gung-ho
[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gung%20ho] on rehabilitating, a
couple years after my injury I noticed some lasting effects. “Why can’t I solve
math equations as quick as I used to? Why are the passes with my left foot on
the soccer field not going the direction I want them to? Why can’t my left hand
grip the barbell like my right hand when I do deadlifts at the gym?” Although
these effects were minor, stacked on top of each other, they began to get me
down. Long story short, I spent years upon years wondering if my broken brain
meant I was simply a broken person. I constantly teetered the line between
feeling worthless and feeling gung-ho about recovery. Eventually my teetering
became 1-sided and I couldn’t bare the self-hate anymore…



Finally, in June 2017 (brain injury awareness month in Canada
[https://www.braininjurycanada.ca/category/brain-injury-awareness-month/]) I
spoke out for the first time and conducted my first independent public talk on
brain injury awareness. I briefly touched on the physical effects, but most
importantly I discussed the mental rehabilitation + personal development that
led me to become a vibrant person again. After my injury I came to recognize the
beauty of existence. And through the power of habit and a lot of hard work, I
learned to retrain my brain to become the person I am today.

Here I am today, grateful for my brain injury that taught me to love my life. If
you’ve ever hit rock bottom because of a brain injury, mental health, or any
other experience in your life, I want you to know that with the right doses of
self-care, self-development, and self-discipline, you too can retrain your
brain!



I now blog and speak on everything I’ve learned in the past 11 years of
retraining my brain after my injury. I also coach others on using the power of
habit to help them retrain their brains as well!
Years later, I can finally say I wake up each morning happy. I couldn’t be more
grateful for the gift of my brain injury.



We are grateful that Ella has lent her voice to the community in light of
bringing positivity and acceptance to a severe neurological disorder. To keep up
with her you can find her at www.ellasofia.ca [http://www.ellasofia.ca] or by
following her socials @ellasssofia

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not
intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you
think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
Reliance on any information provided by the NEOFECT website is solely at your
own risk.

stroke survivor story

Stroke Recovery Stories - Ella's Story

One of the most widely known diseases associated with such an important organ(cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem) is a stroke. 

Understanding Your Brain and Stroke

＊The Brain, the Most Important Human Organ
An adult’s brain weighs only about 3 lbs, but it is known to be one of the most
important organs in our bodies. Because the brain is very soft and delicate, it
is susceptible to damage under external force and can also be susceptible to
damage from internal forces like strokes and aneurysms as well. The brain
produces clear, colorless liquid called the cerebrospinal fluid that flows
outside the brain, and the brain is protected by floating within this liquid.
The cerebrospinal fluid helps to mitigate external impact and lessen outside
forces. The brain can be divided into three different parts based on where they
are located: The cerebrum, cerebellum, and the brain stem in between.



The brain is responsible for almost all functions related to seeing, hearing,
thinking, moving, and feeling. The different parts of the brain are closely
linked with each other in complex ways, enabling us to do a variety of different
things. These connections enable us to perform complex activities as part of our
daily lives. When the parts of the brain responsible for such complex activities
are damaged, the result is difficulty in the areas that those functions of the
brain controls.




＊Functions of brain part

 * Cerebrum: Responsible for higher-level thinking, such as language,
   calculation, thoughts, judgment, etc.
 * Cerebellum: Contributes to coordination and precision in movement
 * Brain stem: In charge of vital functions for survival, such as consciousness,
   respiration, heart rate, movements of the stomach and intestines, etc.


＊The brain and stroke
One of the most widely known diseases associated with such an important organ is
a stroke. Stroke refers to the disruption in the blood supply to the brain,
resulting from a clot or a bleed, which leads to the death of brain cells within
a short period of time. This leads to deficits in the areas mentioned above
based on the area of the brain that was affected.

Someone in the US has a stroke about once every 40 seconds. Each year, about
795,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke. Approximately 610,000 of
these are first attacks, and 185,000 are recurrent attacks. Stroke is the
leading cause of long term disability in the US. As can be seen in the
statistics, stroke is a much more common occurrence than many people know, and
many are suffering from the aftereffects of this disease.



Individuals who have had strokes face ongoing difficulties in their daily lives
due to conditions such as hemiplegia. “Neofect Home
[https://www.neofect.com/us/]” was developed to provide these patients with the
opportunity to receive hand and arm rehabilitation whenever and wherever they
want. The internal artificial intelligence algorithm gives recommendations on
suitable games for the patients to guide their rehab program. These games
motivate users and enable patients to have fun during their rehabilitation
training. If you are interested in learning more about Neofect Smart Rehab
products, please visit our website for more information.


*Neofect Home Inquiry:
-www.neofect.com [https://www.neofect.com/us]
-Phone:(888) 623-8984 [tel:+18886238984]



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A Vietnam Veteran who had 3 strokes: Michael Eustace



I went to move and I couldn’t. I moved forward and slid right onto the floor.
Started to get a little bit better and then I had another stroke. And then had
problems with the heart and wound up having 3 strokes and 1 heart attack.

I couldn’t move my arm, I couldn’t move my hand, I couldn’t do anything. At that
point I started to try to get better.
They kept saying, “What is your goal?”
I said my goal is to get up and walk again.
My goal is to get up and use my hand.

For me it was like it opened up a world of things that I could do with my hand,
and get more mobility, because it motivates you to do more. You don’t appreciate
things that you do before that you can’t do now.

"If it wasn’t for Neofect, I’d probably never bend my hand the way it is now."