OVERVIEW
Alyssa: Finding that purpose, that meaning as to why… And I think once together we figure out why it’s almost motivation to better that aspect…
Tracy: So many things have changed now that they’ve had their neurological event.. Meet the new routine as opposed to going back the old way because the old way isn’t working any longer.. Increasing their awareness of what their body needs now could be very beneficial…
Debra: And their [caregivers] lives are different now too… we can’t just keep adding things onto a caregiver but making something more meaningful.. And so when is everyone functioning their best
Sarah: The whole chemical makeup of the brain is changing constantly.. What is actually happening and there are a few different reasons why post stroke fatigue is happening…
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified: Post-Stroke Fatigue, with occupational therapist and educator Tracy Bentley-Root, and occupational therapy students Alyssa Brockmann and Sarah Battaglia, we talked about:
- Continuation of journaling to determine patterns contributing to fatigue. Bringing a diary to an occupational therapist or a practitioner to identify triggers and develop a treatment plan to compensate or design a body map to enhance functioning. Introduce new routines, as opposed to old routines as after a neurological event, the past remains in the past and a new beginning is present. Discussion on caregiver responsibility and adapting to new roles and routines. Energy conservation and other interventions are discussed throughout the podcast to target survivors, caregivers, practitioners, researchers, and students.
- Fatigue is subjective and perceivable, and the effort used to produce movement and involuntary behaviors is seemingly more difficult due to the high threshold of neuron excitability. Sarah addresses the why and how related to post-stroke fatigue from a neurological level and elaborates on how the brain is constantly changing before, during and after a stroke takes place. Research surrounding the excitability of neurons has been emerging and states after a stroke the neurons within the brain have to work much harder to fire. This not only is hard work and utilizes a high amount of energy for the body, but the brain also is working double time to process the receiving input to produce movement, thoughts, and unconscious bodily functions.
Summary: The aspect of bringing awareness to how one is feeling and collaboratively developing a treatment plan that includes the survivor and caregiver can be pertinent to recovery. Understanding the why and how from a neurological level may assist in awareness.
LINKS TO ARTICLES, BOOKS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Factors associated with post-stroke depression and fatigue: lesion location and coping styles
Managing post-stroke fatigue: A qualitative study to explore multifaceted clinical perspectives
Occupational Therapy - Energy Conservation Booklet Patient Information Leaflet
Post-stroke fatigue: a deficit in corticomotor excitability?
Post-stroke fatigue: a review on prevalence, correlates, measurement, and management
Social Support as a Predictor of Community Participation After Stroke
As always, we want to hear your top takeaways!
Questions and Comments about the podcast: NogginsAndNeurons@gmail.com
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RESOURCES:
- Information about Pete’s blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
Deb's OT Resources:
- Deb's OT resources
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US address only)
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit! Guest Request Form
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MUSIC:
“Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com
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