Stroke (American Academy of Neurology Press Quality of Life Guide Series).Stroke (American Academy of Neurology The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) is a professional society for neurologists and neuroscientists. As a medical specialty society it was established in 1949 by A.B. Baker of the University of Minnesota to advance the art and science of neurology, and thereby promote the best Press Quality of Life Guide Series) Caplan LR. New York, NY 10016, Demos Medical Publishing, 2006, paperback, 256 pp, illus, ISBN ISBN abbr. International Standard Book Number ISBN International Standard Book Number ISBN n abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m : 193260314X, $19.95 This book is intended to be a guide to the complex topic of stroke for patients and their families so that they may better understand the condition and cope with its consequences. I believe it may also be a comprehensive review and updates for health care professionals entering a stroke care setting who want to refresh their knowledge. Topics include a definition of stroke and possible causes, risk factors and prevention, brain anatomy and function, medical tests and treatments, possible complications and dysfunctions following a stroke, recovery and rehabilitation, the effect of one person's stroke on other people, and a look to the future of stroke care. The introductory chapters describe, in simple terms, the causes and types of strokes. Black-and-white figures describe the different brain structures and show how they are affected by either hemorrhagic Hemorrhagic A condition resulting in massive, difficult-to-control bleeding. Mentioned in: Hantavirus Infections hemorrhagic pertaining to or characterized by hemorrhage. or ischemic strokes. Then, the cardiovascular conditions that can lead to stroke (eg, atherosclerosis, hypertension, embolism embolism Obstruction of blood flow by an embolus—a substance (e.g., a blood clot, a fat globule from a crush injury, or a gas bubble) not normally present in the bloodstream. Obstruction of an artery to the brain may cause stroke. , atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, heart valve malformation malformation /mal·for·ma·tion/ (-for-ma´shun) 1. a type of anomaly. 2. a morphologic defect of an organ or larger region of the body, resulting from an intrinsically abnormal developmental process. , and aneurysm) are described in text and drawings. A discussion of risk factors and how to manage them in order to prevent stroke follows. This includes managing hypertension or stopping smoking. Next, the author describes the functions of different parts of the brain and the cerebrovascular cer·e·bro·vas·cu·lar adj. Relating to the blood supply to the brain, particularly with reference to pathological changes. cerebrovascular pertaining to the blood vessels of the cerebrum or brain. supply, which leads the reader to a clear understanding of stroke symptoms when one of these brain structures is damaged. The tests and measures that may be used to diagnose a stroke and its cause are explained. Black-and-white pictures of angiograms illustrated by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), noninvasive diagnostic technique that uses nuclear magnetic resonance to produce cross-sectional images of organs and other internal body structures. scans illustrate how these tests help the physician diagnose the cause, location, and extent of a stroke. Diagnosis leads logically to the next chapter on the medical management after a stroke. This chapter includes pharmacologic and surgical interventions, such as the thrombolytic agent tissue plasminogen activator tissue plasminogen activator n. Abbr. TPA 1. An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, used to dissolve blood clots rapidly and selectively, especially in the treatment of heart attacks. 2. (t-PA), endarterectomy Endarterectomy Definition Endarterectomy is an operation to remove or bypass the fatty deposits, or blockage, in an artery narrowed by the buildup of fatty tissue (atherosclerosis). , or angioplasty and stenting for ischemic Ischemic An inadequate supply of blood to a part of the body, caused by partial or total blockage of an artery. Mentioned in: Antiangiogenic Therapy, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Ventricular Fibrillation ischemic situations, and surgical corrections and lowering of blood pressure for hemorrhagic conditions. Because many other complications may arise, individual patient examples are included to demonstrate the complexity of treatment decisions for this patient group. The description of the rehabilitation process and recovery from the changes after a stroke includes a good overview of the role of physical therapists and other health care professionals. The descriptions of the physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional changes that may occur are easy for a patient or loved one to understand. A positive outlook is shared with the reader, and encouragement that most patients do improve is given. This encouragement is extended in a practical way in the appendix titled, "Tips for Stroke Heroes and Those Who Care for Them." Four patient case examples conclude the book, providing complete stories covering details from prestroke medical history to several months after stroke and well into the recovery phase. Another appendix, "Negotiating the Insurance Maze," is a helpful tool for anyone who may experience any hospital stay, not only for those with stroke. Stroke is a comprehensive and easy-to-read book that explains many aspects of this health problem. Similes and metaphors are used to simplify complicated concepts; for example, blocked of leaking blood vessels are compared to a sink and the pipes leading toward or away from it. It also presents an accurate description of rehabilitation in the United States today. The glossary is helpful, but could be improved by including more of the medical terms used in the book. Some of the figures would be clearer if they were in color. A list of suggested reading offers an interesting collection of books and articles for those who wish to learn more. I would recommend this book to health care professionals and the general public alike. [DOI: 10.2522/ptj.2007.87.3.352] Janice Bohn J Bohn, PT, NCS, Alexian Rehabilitation Hospital, Elk Grove Village Elk Grove Village, village (1990 pop. 33,429), Cook and Du Page counties, NE Ill., a suburb of Chicago; inc. 1956. With a population of c.100 at the time of its establishment on open farmland, the village has grown dramatically and steadily, largely because of its , Ill. |
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