Louis R. Caplan 
Stroke 

There are an estimated 4, 800, 000 stroke survivors living today and about 700, 000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. Stroke is one of the most common disabling medical conditions, and has wide-ranging economic, social, and psychological effects.

Stroke, the fourth volume in a series sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, was written for both stroke survivors and individuals wishing to learn more about the condition and how to prevent it. Friends and families of stroke patients will find it a valuable resource packed with important coping tips and management techniques. Nurses, social workers, public health officials, and other caregivers will also benefit from this informative text, which covers:

• The nature of stroke and its causes
  


• Risk factors and how strokes may be prevented


• Symptoms and how they can be treated


• How stroke survivors are evaluated and diagnosed


• Improving function among stroke survivors through rehabilitation.


• How friends and families of stroke survivors can cope and manage


• The future of stroke and the progress already being made

Written by one of the most respected doctors in the field, Stroke is easily accessible, avoids medical jargon, and focuses not just on the patient but on the community and those close to the survivor. This essential guide will help to ensure that patients are provided with both the medical and personal care they need and will make this most difficult of circumstances a bit easier for all involved.

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Introduction: Why is stroke so important?

What is a stroke? What are the causes? What are the different kinds of stroke?

What are the medical conditions that cause blood vessel and heart damage that lead to stroke?

How can strokes be prevented? What are risk factors for stroke and how can they be reduced?

What does the brain look like and how does it work?

What are the arteries and veins that supply the brain?

What are the different symptoms of stroke? What abnormalities do doctors look for and find in stroke patients?

How can doctors tell what caused the stroke? What tests are used to evaluate individuals who may have had a stroke?

What treatments are available?

Complications

What are some of the dysfunctions, disabilities and handicaps that remain after a stroke?

How does recovery from stroke occur? How can recovery be improved? What is rehabilitation? Where is it performed and by whom?

How does one person’s stroke affect others?

What does the future hold? What research is being pursued?

Glossary

References

Resources