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

by Mike Dow, David Dow, Megan Sutton (Contributor)

Dr. Mike Dow is a best-selling author, psychotherapist, and relationship expert. So why is he writing a book about stroke?

Well, what you probably don’t know about Dr. Mike is that his younger brother, David, is a stroke survivor. What’s more, David’s stroke happened when he only 10 years old. This means most of Dr. Mike’s teenage years were spent witnessing what his family was dealing with trying to find the best treatments for David. He struggled to know what to do to help his brother. He watched helplessly as his brother wrestled with depression, trying to find the motivation to recover on top of the challenges of adolescence. He mourned the loss of what could have been—and he was angry.

How his family would have loved to sit down with top experts in stroke to find out what they should be doing and have their questions answered. Now Dr. Mike has the ability to do just that, and he’s doing it so that others in his family’s position don’t have the same struggle.

Armed with questions from stroke survivors and their loved ones, Dr. Mike talks with the best clinicians across the country to get over 100 answers you need to know to maximize your recovery.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Psychology

258 pages, Kindle Edition

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

[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.