The reasons for writing this book are manifold. For all stroke victims out there who are asking “why me?” I just want to say that you are not alone. If there is one thing I want to achieve through this book is to convey the message that even though a stroke can be debilitating but it is not the end of life. Do not ask yourself: Did I deserve a stroke? It is a fruitless question. One has to toughen up. Be optimistic. And do your best. Remember that there are people who are worse off than you, so be grateful for what you have. When I had my stroke, I thought that it was the end of my life. I could barely stand up straight and needed the help of three people to help me walk twenty feet! I was being fed through a feeding tube from my abdomen into the stomach. But I didn’t give up. With support from my wonderful family and friends, I worked very hard; took therapy; and stayed optimistic. If I can inspire even one person to not to give up hope and double their efforts, I have achieved my goal. I hope that this book serves a valuable tool to millions of stroke patients, their families, and friends, and brings back the joy in their life.

Dr. Gopi A. Tejwani is an Associate Professor Emeritus and the ex-Vice Chair in the Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University (OSU). He received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi in 1973 and subsequently traveled to the United States for his postdoctoral training. Dr. Tejwani has been on the faculty of OSU in Columbus since 1976, where he has done research in neuropharmacology and has taught graduate, undergraduate, and medical students. Dr. Tejwani has published more than 80 original research papers in biochemistry, enzymology, neuropharmacology, and medical education. He has presented his research work at international meetings in more than 20 countries. More than two dozen graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty members have received training in his laboratory. After working for thirty-six years at OSU, Dr. Tejwani retired on July 1, 2012. He is presently Associate Professor Emeritus at the Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, College of Medicine. He still teaches a course at the university every year. In the twilight years of his illustrious career, he was felicitated with numerous teaching awards at OSU-some of the recent awards are as follows: Excellence in Teaching Award, College of Medicine, OSU (2002, 2005, 2008, 2011) Teaching Incentive Award, College of Medicine (2004, 2006, 2008) Alumni Faculty Teaching Award, College of Medicine, OSU (2006) Distinguished Educator Award, College of Medicine, OSU (2007) Excellence in Teaching Award, IP Committee, College of Medicine (2009) Dr. Tejwani currently resides in Dublin Ohio with his wife Sarla Tejwani. He can be reached at [email protected]

"Transformative...[Taylor's] experience...will shatter [your] own perception of the world."—ABC News The astonishing New York Times bestseller that chronicles how a brain scientist's own stroke led to enlightenment On December 10, 1996, Jill Bolte Taylor, a thirty-seven- year-old Harvard-trained brain scientist experienced a massive stroke in the left hemisphere of her brain. As she observed her mind deteriorate to the point that she could not walk, talk, read, write, or recall any of her life-all within four hours-Taylor alternated between the euphoria of the intuitive and kinesthetic right brain, in which she felt a sense of complete well-being and peace, and the logical, sequential left brain, which recognized she was having a stroke and enabled her to seek help before she was completely lost. It would take her eight years to fully recover. For Taylor, her stroke was a blessing and a revelation. It taught her that by "stepping to the right" of our left brains, we can uncover feelings of well-being that are often sidelined by "brain chatter." Reaching wide audiences through her talk at the Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) conference and her appearance on Oprah's online Soul Series, Taylor provides a valuable recovery guide for those touched by brain injury and an inspiring testimony that inner peace is accessible to anyone.

Billions of dollars are spent on stroke-related rehabilitation research and treatment techniques but most are not well communicated to the patient or caregiver. As a result, many stroke survivors are treated with outdated or ineffective therapies. Stronger After Stroke puts the power of recovery in the reader's hands by providing simple to follow instructions for reaching the highest possible level of healing. Written for stroke survivors, their caregivers, and loved ones, Stronger After Stroke presents a new and more effective treatment philosophy that is startling in its simplicity: stroke survivors recover by using the same learning techniques that anyone uses to master anything. Basic concepts are covered, including: Repetition of task-specific movements Proper scheduling of practice Challenges at each stage of recovery Setting goals and recognizing when they have been achieved The book covers the basic techniques that can catapult stroke survivors toward maximum recovery. Stronger After Stroke bridges the gap between stroke survivors and what they desperately need: easily understandable and scientifically accurate information on how to achieve optimal rehabilitation.

This groundbreaking book explains prognosis from the perspective of doctors, examining why physicians are reluctant to predict the future, how doctors use prognosis, the symbolism it contains, and the emotional difficulties it involves. Drawing on his experiences as a doctor and sociologist, Nicholas Christakis interviewed scores of physicians and searched dozens of medical textbooks and medical school curricula for discussions of prognosis in an attempt to get to the core of this nebulous medical issue that, despite its importance, is only partially understood and rarely discussed. "Highly recommended for everyone from patients wrestling with their personal prognosis to any medical practitioner touched by this bioethical dilemma."—Library Journal, starred review "[T]he first full general discussion of prognosis ever written. . . . [A] manifesto for a form of prognosis that's equal parts prediction-an assessment of likely outcomes based on statistical averages-and prophecy, an intuition of what lies ahead."—Jeff Sharlet, Chicago Reader "[S]ophisticated, extraordinarily well supported, and compelling. . . . [Christakis] argues forcefully that the profession must take responsibility for the current widespread avoidance of prognosis and change the present culture. This prophet is one whose advice we would do well to heed."—James Tulsky, M.D., New England Journal of Medicine

A Doody's Core Title 2012 Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation is the new gold standard comprehensive guide to the management of stroke patients. Beginning with detailed information on risk factors, epidemiology, prevention, and neurophysiology, the book details the acute and long-term treatment of all stroke-related impairments and complications. Additional sections discuss psychological issues, outcomes, community reintegration, and new research. Written by dozens of acknowledged leaders in the field, and containing hundreds of tables, graphs, and photographic images, Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation features: The first full-length discussion of the most commonly-encountered component of neurorehabilitation Multi-specialty coverage of issues in rehabilitation, neurology, PT, OT, speech therapy, and nursing Focus on therapeutic management of stroke related impairments and complications An international perspective from dozens of foremost authorities on stroke Cutting edge, practical information on new developments and research trends Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation is a valuable reference for clinicians and academics in rehabilitation and neurology, and professionals in all disciplines who serve the needs of stroke survivors.

Consumer memoir of Mark McEwan, weather reporter for The Early Show, traces his harrowing journey of rehabilitation from a massive stroke. Includes insights into the warning signs of stroke as well as prevention and treatment options.

With an introduction by Henry Marsh, author of Do No Harm My brain, which had just let me down so badly, was perhaps never so active. The paramedics' question was a fundamental one. Who are you? Yes indeed. Who am I? Robert McCrum was forty-two when he suffered a massive stroke which left one side of his body totally paralysed, his speech drastically impaired, and his sense of himself radically altered. What followed was a prolonged period of recovery, full of heart ache and frustration, as he gradually regained sensation, movement and self-esteem and as his family pulled together in the extraordinary effort necessary to make him well again. My Year Off is a moving story of determination, courage and love that sings with wit and honesty. An invaluable insight into the reality of life after stroke, the moments of hope, the anger and despair, this is a touching classic that gives voice to millions.

STROKE REBEL is the story of how Linda, an entrepreneur and former model is fighting her way back to living life successfully after a massive stroke at a young age. Linda's story serves as a blueprint and source of realistic hope for stroke survivors. In April 2016, she suffered a massive stroke at the age of 43, which turned her life upside down. Unfortunately, a blood clot was treated too late and caused extensive damage to the right side of her brain. The stroke left her completely paralyzed on her left side and unable to speak. The doctors could not provide any answers about whether or not she would regain use of her left arm and leg, or talk again. Linda's road to recovery looked bleak. The process was long, stressful, painful, and filled with setbacks. She had to deal with neuropathic pain so severe that she contemplated giving up on life. In a recent interview, she shared, "That was absolute rock bottom. At that point, I made a decision--to fight and become 'a warrior and a rebel' in my own life, and find ways to help other stroke survivors." Doctors told Linda that the six months following her stroke were critical. For Linda, six months was a mental ticking time bomb. But they were also a point of reference from where she had to move forward to take her life back. Linda uncovered a wealth of knowledge that she would later use to help her on the path to recovery. With these new insights, she began to tap into her brain and physical capacity to enable the maximum amount of improvement. In her quest for recovery, she met Arjan Kuipers, who specializes in applied clinical neuroscience. They joined forces to create worldwide home training and tools for stroke survivors and those with brain injuries. Before the stroke, Linda labeled herself a "control freak" and a "workaholic." Now she perceives herself as an ongoing experiment of neuroplasticity. She has made tremendous progress and is still recovering every day.

An Incredible Journey of Determination and Recovery In 2005, Ted W. Baxter was at the top of his game. He was a successful, globe-trotting businessman with a resume that would impress the best of the best. In peak physical condition, Ted worked out nearly every day of the week. And then, on April 21, 2005, all that came to an end. He had a massive ischemic stroke. Doctors feared he wouldn’t make it, or if he did make it, he would be in a vegetative state in a hospital bed for the rest of his life. But miraculously, that’s not what happened . . . In Relentless, Ted W. Baxter describes his remarkable recovery. Not only did he live, but he's walking and talking again. He moves through life almost as easily as he did before the stroke; only now, his life is better. He’s learned that having a successful career is maybe not the most important thing. He’s learned to appreciate life more. He's learned that he wants to help people—and that’s what he does. He gives back, volunteering his time and effort to help other stroke victims. ​Relentless is a wonderful resource for stroke survivors, caregivers, and their loved ones, but it is also an inspiring and motivating read for anyone who is facing struggles in their own life.