Healing the Broken Brain: Leading Experts Answer 100 Questions about Stroke Recovery

by Mike Dow, David Dow, Megan Sutton CCC-SLP (Contributor)

If you’re holding this book, it likely means you or someone you love has had a stroke. Dealing with the onslaught of information about stroke can be confusing and overwhelming. And if you happen to be a stroke survivor with newly impaired language skills, it can be especially hard to comprehend everything your doctors, nurses, and specialists are telling you.

This book consists of the top 100 questions that survivors and their families ask, with answers from the top physicians and therapists in the country. The questions start out basic but then get more specific to address different areas of recovery. And, for stroke survivors still struggling with reading comprehension, or for family members who are simply too tired to read long passages, there are Takeaway Pointsat the end of each chapter  to help simplify everything.

Includes answers to frequently asked questions such as:

·         What is a stroke, and who is at risk for one?

·         What is the best diet for a stroke survivor?

·         How does group therapy compare to individual therapy?

·         What should a stroke survivor look for in a therapist?

·         How long will it take to recover, and how can stroke survivors maximize their recovery?

·         What can someone do to prevent having another stroke?

In this book, you’ll gain a wealth of information, inspiration, advice, and support as you navigate your journey through stroke recovery.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Psychology

249 pages, Paperback

Published May 2, 2017

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two brothers collaborated in writing "Healing the Broken Brain." One brother who had dreamed of becoming a doctor as a child yet had a stroke at the age of ten; the other was affected by the stroke by association and grew up and became a doctor. Both of their voices are presented in this book, and the perspectives they bring are genuine and life-enhancing. Their respective experiences and perspectives are presented, and they ring true to readers and listeners.

Beyond their own experiences, Mike and David Dow answer a great many questions that deal with the wide-ranging issues stroke survivors face. From the initial care in critical stages to ongoing rehabilitation to pursuing professional work, they address resources and provide explanations that will help survivors and caregivers both. Having survived a ruptured brain aneurysm and its numerous after-effects, I felt included. Though I didn't experience all of the issues they presented, I experienced a great many. I trust the same will be true for other survivors and their caregivers as well.

Finally, I was impressed by the Dow brothers' direct answers presented with kindness; needs are presented realistically with neither blaming nor encompassing promises. Social implications are addressed as well, and that takes a great deal of pressure off survivors. Simply, in order to best help survivors, we need social and community support. There is always the message of "hope" throughout this book, yet it is always coupled with the importance of goals, hard work, and collaborative support.

I have both the book and the audio version of "Healing The Broken Brain." I appreciate the tone of the writing, and the actual voices are soothing, making me wish I could respond in person; I suspect I'd greatly enjoy the resulting conversation. If you are a survivor, a caregiver, or a concerned but uncertain friend, you'll find wisdom and excellent resources here.

[Jocelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it purports to be - information for stroke survivors and caregivers. I do feel that it would be a good book most people in general, as so much of the information is helpful for someone to know before they or a loved one have a stroke. But of course that cannot be predicted and most people who don't know a stroke survivor aren't likely to pick this up. For those who are recovering or caregiving however, it can give a lot of resources, support, and just good information in easy to digest language.

[Cynthia Wheelehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very hopeful and comprehensive

This is not the book I thought I would start 2021 with but my husband's stroke New Years Day changed that....This is a wealth of information, more than I can comprehend at this moment... But it is hopeful and clearly written... I will be coming back and rereading sections as his rehabilitation progresses... I am so glad I have this as a resource 💖💖💖💖

[Jeff Krewenki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sitting in a doctors office and picked this book up off their bookshelf. I quickly fell in love with it. A lot of great information and story’s from the authors brother. Medical professionals also answer all the questions you could wonder about how a stroke takes a toll on a human body. Super enjoyed this book.

[Kailyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a paper I wrote about strokes for school. It was super informative, organized, and the contributors were competent. The book covered everything from what happens when a stroke occurs to therapy during recovery. I learned so much from this and I enjoyed it more than I thought I was going to.

[Laura Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a speech-language pathologist, I found this book provides a good overview of the role that other disciplines play in stroke rehabilitation. I also love using some of the passages as a therapy material in sessions.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were a lot of interesting and useful information. I will take away some hope that is encouraged throughout the book. There were some things that didn't apply to my situation, but it was still interesting to read.

[Gavin Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really insightful look into stroke survival. I can use these techniques directly with several of my clients.
I particularly enjoyed learning more about Aphasia and some of the techniques that may help.
I would definitely recommend this book, if you work in Healthcare

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

My father is a recent stroke survivor. This book is the first one I picked up in order to learn about what to expect, the questions to ask, and what type of help is available for recovery. It’s a good starter resource. I got it from the library but will be buying a copy for quick reference.

[Farzana Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful! Hope...

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great help.

[LeighAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh

Short and sweet. Q and A style. Very informative but not quite what I expected. Included a variety of online resources.

[Kelly Gesker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, clear, digestible

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good info, well presented. Great audiobook, hearing from them directly.

[Keridak Silk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good advice

Having had a stroke, I found a lot of good informationand for hope. This book will be great for care takers as well who had a stroke.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a recent survivor, I found it informative and hopeful.

[Rosie]

A fairly quick read, seems like a good intro to the topic. I liked the emphasis on positive attitude and neuroplasticity

[Mitch Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great book for anyone who knows anyone who’s had a stroke. I myself came very close to having one was very glad to read this book after the fact. Good knowledge for anyone just seeking knowledge of the brain.

[Shannon L. Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provided me with much-needed, helpful information, guidance, and resources as a struggling caregiver determined to provide the best care possible for my partner after his stroke. While a hopeful, positive tone is important, I wish the authors would have provided a more accurate depiction of a patient’s post-stroke reality. The chapters on what to expect before/during/after rehabilitation were informative but failed to discuss the insurance caps on therapy that barely cover the actual amount needed to make any kind of meaningful recovery. Or the reality of skilled nursing facilities where staffing shortages effect the quality and consistency of care for patients with severe post-stroke deficits. This book does a great job of showing what stroke recovery should or could like in a near-perfect world, not what it’s actually like for many stroke patients and caregivers.