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Stroke Recovery Tips, April 2014 Issue
April 19, 2014

Latest Tips from Stroke-rehab.com

Below you will find the latest from the March 2014 Issue of Stroke Recovery Tips.


Post Stroke Depression

Post stroke depression is a common occurrence after stroke. Stroke survivors become depressed for many reasons including physical impairment which leads to decline in ability to do daily activities, lack of social support, loss of social interactions with friends, fear of another stroke, biochemical changes in the brain, altered lifestyle, and abandonment by the healthcare system to name a few.

Depression can interfere with stroke rehabilitation as it can cause decreased initiation, concentration problems, hopelessness, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, decreased attention to detail, and loss of interest in activities. Caregivers and healthcare providers should be on the lookout for depression. Symptoms of depression can include:

Sadness

Pessimistic attitude

Irritability

Insomnia

Fatigue

Emotional/crying

Giving up

Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities

Appetite changes

Weight loss or gain

Decreased memory/attention

Many stroke patients are not receiving treatment for post stroke depression. This may be due to medical professionals and caregivers writing off depression as a normal response to having a stroke. Stroke patients with depression, however, can be treated whether the depression is due to changes in the brain or a psychological response to stroke.

To finish this article and read the full version of Stroke Recovery Tips April 2014 including Ataxia, Unilateral Neglect, Respite Care, and Clinical Trial Information for Painful Shoulders, click here.



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