Cerebrovascular-Disease Books

Into the Blue: A Father's Flight and a Daughter's Return
this was a great book. It's really scary from the perspective that it reinforces what we hear that we must take charge (or someone must do so on our behalf) of our healthcare options.

Into the Blue is a funny, touching, inspiring and educational ride that we all need to take to deal with what this life may hand us. Edsall and her sister did amazing work with their dad in a situation many of us have or will have to deal with. Buy multiple copies and send them to everyone you love.

This book is the fascinating story of two sisters and their dad who was suffering from a stroke. The sisters are determined to get him back to his airplane. In this book the author underlines the support a patient needs from his doctor for a fast and safe recovery. This book will definitely be a welcome read to any one suffered from a stroke.

After eliminating my coffee habit with the help of a wonderful coffee substitute made from soya beans called "Soyffee", I'm feeling so much better. My doctor recommended it to help lower my cholesterol and promote strong bones. It's available online at www.S o y c o f f e e.com.

I loved this book! The writing was so sharp and funny, and the story is heartwarming and hilarious, without being overly sentimental.

Susan Edsall does suggest you go off coffee slowly before you start the plan. This would minimize headaches during detox. I couldn't wait to get started so, of course, did it all at once and had the most horrible awful headache for 4 straight days. I finally broke down and had a 1/2 cup coffee one day instead of taking aspirin and that did the trick...for the moment.

You feel as if you've known the author and her family all your life after reading this book, and you really care about them.

OK, I'm humble enough to admit I was wrong. When one of my best friends, a Volvo-driving soccer mom if there ever was one, suggested that I read and PURCHASE "Into The Blue", I was skeptical at best. Scenario: author and sister rehabilitate stroke-afflicted father so he can - *gag* - fly again. Yet another "chick" book. Ho-hum.

So untrue. It's been a long, long while since I've been so entertained, overwhelmed, affected, whatever, by a memoir. Susan Edsall has a great gift for writing, and for viewing the world by crushing the rose colored glasses. If this were simply a novel about how our heroine pulls her dad back from the abyss, it'd probably sell a bazillion copies in the romance section. "Into The Blue" is not simple - not by a long shot.

First off, it should be required reading for every med student, neurology resident, or anyone who has contact with stroke victims. The start of Edsall's tale is pretty grim; not for what happened to her father, but for the reaction of the medical community to his plight - indifference, condescension, and that "oh well, that's what happens, nothing we can do" type of nonsense that we've all seen too well from supposed professionals who you'd think would have more insight and creativity to go with all that specialized education.

Love of a parent pushes the Edsall family into a series of tough decisions, but the neat part of this book is the places that they come to as a result of these mileposts. The author seems as surprised as the reader at times by the way in which her father's stroke and her family's actions cause her (and all of them) to reconnect in new and very meaningful fashion. Susan's descriptions of her relationships past and present with her mother, her husband and above all her sister Sharon are hysterical - and very moving. I could relate 80 percent of her patter to my own family, which was an experience both interesting and disturbing!

This is a tremendous piece of writing, worthy of wide distribution and discussion.

I have never personally experienced an incident like Julia, but I found her book inspirational. When confronted with a life-threatening health issue, Julia and her family found the courage to move forward and recover against all odds. Her book is written with a humorous tone which shows her positive attitude and her unending goal to get well. Her book taught me that you need to figure out what is important in life, not lose sight of it and never give up. I would highly recommend this to anyone... whether you have experienced a situation like this or not. Definitely one of the best books I have read in a long time!! I couldn't stop turning the pages and finished it within a few days!

Julia Fox Garrison is one very ballsy broad with just the right kind of self-effacing and acid sense of humor and gutsy determination to see herself through a bad situation. Following a massive brain hemmorhage or stroke, whatever you want to call it, which very nearly kills her and leaves her whole left side flaccid and useless, she makes up her mind that she is going to come back from this, even if it kills her - which, if she'd listened to her doctors, could very well happen. For months she denies that she's in denial about a complete recovery, but after more than a year of rehabilitation, she is finally forced to admit that she'll probably never be perfect again, and begins to appreciate what faculties and skills she has recovered. Besides the obvious humor sprinkled throughout the book, there are also the awful moments, the incredibly sad ones. Like the time she realizes that even her 3 yr-old son recognizes her limitations and becomes used to getting all his support from his dad - the night she goes to him in the night when he is crying and tries to help, and Rory says: "I want Daddy, I don't want you ... No, you can't help me. You have your own problems. You fall down and you need help and you need someone to get you up."

Or when she makes a visit to her old office and endures the stares and the tentativeness of her old colleagues: "... because you simply don't look the way you looked the last time you were there. You are on industrial-strength doses of steroids as well as a cocktail of other drugs and your face is swollen and misshapen, like a pumpkin head."

Or when she and her husband, Jim, who has done everything for her since her stroke, make love for the first time in more than a year: "When you are done, you both cry a little and hold each other. 'Now we're a couple again,' Jim whispers."

In the end this is a book about not just determination and guts, but about love, and about a very supportive family (Julia's husband, parents and 8 brothers) who help her back to wellness. Anyone who has ever suffered a debilitating illness and struggled back to some semblance of health and dignity will appreciate this book, as will their friends and family members. It is quite simply a great story. - Tim Bazzett, author of Love, War & Polio

Julia Garrison Fox writes her experiences after suffering a stroke at the age of 37. This is a must read for all healthcare professionals especially those who work in the rehabilitation field. She pulls no punches and write candidly about what it feels like both physically and emotionally to go through a life altering incident. This is a wake-up call for all in the healthcare field, we are real good at treating the body but we sometimes forget the human spirit we are also caring for.

I really loved this book, and would recommend it to anyone and everyone. Although I've never suffered any of the physical impairments that the author has, her story is very easy to relate to. Not to mention that it serves as a reminder to all of us to never give up, and to never take anything for granted.

Ms. Garrison's persistance is to be admired, as is her sense of humor through ordeals that have broken the spirits of many. Kudos to you, Julia, and may you never lose your courage, love of life, and wonderful spirit!

I am a rehab nurse and I just couldn't put this book down.

Yes, all of the portraits are not flattering of folks in the healthcare profession. We must view patients as people, with all their likes, dislikes and quirks.

I found it to be a very funny, uplifting first person account.

This is without a doubt the most inspirational book I've read. I've always been a huge fan of Tedy Bruschi's, and after this book I have a whole new respect for him and his family for what they went through. It's a great book for everyone, regardless of how they feel about the Patriots!

Never Give Up is the journey of Tedy Bruschi and how he went from Super Bowl Champion/Pro Bowl participant to hoping he could lead a normal life. Bruschi suffered a mild stroke that impaired his vision and ability to walk. He and his wife Heidi received a crash course in what it means to have a stroke and how it can impact your life.

Bruschi details how this event caused turmoil in his personal and professional life and how he went from being completely striped of any hope of playing football again to becoming a leading spokesman for stroke awareness. The book is well written and a very fast read.

This book is well beyond a book only for New England Patriots fans; it is a great inspiration for anyone who is facing adversity in their life. Highly recommended.

Truly insperational. I love Tedy Bruschi and this shows the heart of a true sportsman and a great person. This book is easy to read and a must read if you are a PATS fan at all!

I haven't finished the book, but what i have read is excellent. It was well written, and I felt it explained in the details of his life.

I am a HUGE Patriots fan and i could not put this book down. I am 14 years old and i have to read every single night and i was excited when i started to read this book. This book makes you think about what you have and the things that you take for granted. Even though the patriots lost the super bowl i got over it quicker than i would of since i had just finished the book. I liked the insight on what goes on and what goes through the NFL players head. You have got to read this inspirational book!

The book appeals to a diverse audience from his network fans to anyone who's suffered a stroke or their families. It also serves as an inspiring account of overcoming disability that anyone can relate to.
He alternates chapters telling about his life before the stroke and chapters of the stroke and rehabilitation. A pleasant enough read, but I'd also recommend My Stroke of Luck for those interested in celebrity stroke experiences.

Mark McEwen's book is very insightful. In the past year three close friends have suffered a stroke and a relative has dealt with a stroke-like illness. Mark McEwen's book has helped me understand a bit more of what they have gone through, what they will go through and how I can help in their recovery. The book is well written, easy to read and I would highly recommend it.

HOW INCREDIBLY SAD THAT THIS HAD TO HAPPEN TO SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON DUE TO PROFESSIONAL INNATTENTION.
THEY TOOK AWAY HIS TV PERSONA.
HOW GLAD I AM THAT HE AND HIS FAMILY ARE DOING MUCH BETTER SINCE 'THE WEATHER CHANGED'.
WHAT INCREDIBLY POSITIVE ATTITUDES THEY HAVE.
HE PROVES THAT HARD WORK WINS OUT.
HE IS AN INSPIRATION.

I often wondered what had happened to one of my very favorite TV personalities! Ironically, I have had several strokes over the past year and came across his book! I found it helpful and encouraging.

I had a cerebellar stroke in March, which caused this communications major and ex-Micrsoft college recruiter to become a disabled person who couldn't talk --overnight and very unexpectely, just like Mark..Mark's book is a good chronolgy of what that feels like and a good inspiration for recovery as he made a 100% comeback.

While I don't have his connections with Bill Cosby or presidents (and admire his newfound verve to use those contacts to get the word out about stoke), I share and admire his drive to recover - and that of his wife to support him...Stroke is not well known, we hear so often about cancer and heart attacks but it is the number one disabler - 455,000 americans will be struck by it this year, or one every 15 seconds...I had none of the prediposing symptoms (high blood pressure/smoker/family history/overweight) yet I still had a stroke and it has changed my life - just like it changed Mark's life into a recovering disabled person who had to learn to slow down and value a second chance at everything..we did not die and there is a distinct silver lining to stroke, which Mark's upbeat book chronicles...it was an easy read and a good boost...a profile in a different kind of courage for friends, family and Mark himself...Unlike many afflications, you CAN recover from stroke...it takes time and oomph.

As the caregiver for my husband who suffered an AVM (arteriovenus malformation) 23 years ago, I wish I'd had this book then. Looking back, I did a good job of monitoring his doctors, nurses and aftercare. What I did NOT do was take care of myself. Valerie has written a terrific account of her medical trauma, which brings the reader right in the room/bed with her. You feel her helplessness, her frustration, her fury. We all encounter those in the medical community who make assumptions rather than medical assessments, either due to patient overload or malaise. Regardless, I recommend this book to virtually everyone. Everyone either has had or will have a medical emergency in their life and this is is a primer on how to take care of yourself when that happens. You may not have a family member near to look out for you and will have to fight for yourself. Buy this book. Valerie makes it easy to read and puts all the technical information in the bibliography for your reference. She is a hero!

My father had a stroke three months ago. I was desperate to find information regarding strokes - not only for my father but also for my mother - his primary caregiver. My father is unable to read, speak or walk but is able to understand everything that's going on around him. I began reading Valerie's book to him and the way he paid attention was astounding! It was as if he wanted to say, "That's how I feel!" It was important for him to know that someone else has been in his exact situation before and that we knew what he was going through. He also needed to know that, through sheer determination and will power, he too will be able to walk and talk again. At the end of each chapter my mother and I would read the Resources section together. In a sea of confusion and frustration it was great to find such a wonderful and inspirational book to help us get through this most traumatic time in our lives. I would recommend Valerie's book for, not only the stroke patient, but also friends and family.

This is an excellent "how to" manual for overcoming the debilitating effects of stroke, not only for the survivor, but the survivors' caregivers, family and rehabilitation team! If you're wanting complemetary medicine as an adjunct to the standard medical route, this is a "must have" book! Valerie is not only a great story-teller, but humorous in her approach to life and its pitfalls. She knows from the inside how a person must fight this disease, and is able to share it intelligently and step-by-step in an easy-to-read format.
This book should be in every home!!!

A stroke can radically change one's life - to the point that he or she isn't the same person anymore. "Conquering Stroke: How I Fought My Way Back and How You Can Too" encourages sufferers of strokes to not let it and do whatever it takes to overcome their affliction and live how they want to once more. While offering plenty of advice for both treatment and the recovery process, it acknowledges that the best cure is prevention and has a focus on that subject as well. "Conquering Stroke: How I Fought My Way Back and How You Can Too" is a top pick for senior health collections and for anyone who fears or wants to overcome stroke.

As a stroke survivor myself, I am thrilled with this very informative, inspirational, moving account of Valerie Greene's journey. What an incredible amount of work and heart have gone into this long awaited account of her triumphs over a catastrophic event in her very young years and what maturity and obvious study and hard work have gone into her writing of this book. The information supplied at the end of each chapter is invaluable! I've read a lot since having my stroke in July of 2000, but never has so much been provided in one account. I highly recommend this for any and all people who have in any way been touched by a stroke and for the caregivers who are the heart of encouraging the survivors as they continue along their journey with new and different goals, yet hope for a bright tomorrow!

This book should be required reading for anyone with even a remote interest in neurology or mental health. You will never again have the same response to mental health topics.

usualy people conect allergy with something that is only cause headach,neusia,or a rash. but how many of you (the readers) are conecting allergy to a disturb mental state, or one type of schizophrenia?.there are many sections in this book that are all explaining the allergy from the roots and the way it should be treated through the rotation diets combined with specific suplements. it is all explained in an easy to follow-way, and a lot of case histories are covered.an allergy discusion is not complete without this book.

every now and then a book opens a door and sheds new light on life, thus enlarging my understanding and vision. This was one. It improved my life and helped change my practice. Philpott brings together a great deal of useful information.

After 5 years of my brother being diagnosed with schyzophrenia and coming in and out of mental institutions, this book came into the hands of my mother, who took him (when he was 23 years old) to Dr. Philpott's Hospital, at the time in St. Petersburg, Fla. To shorten, my brother is now 41 years old, has 3 children and has proved Dr. Philpott's stating he had cured 100% of the cases of "schyzophrenia" that came to his hands. Psychiatrists related to pharmaceuticals, of course, have always denied this capacity. If anyone knows if Dr. Philpott's work is being continued please advise to help all the victims of pharmaceuticals.

Learning about Brain allergies has helped my son so much. He has food allergies which caused him to have seizures. It is well worth reading and learning about. Thanks for the very informative book.

This is an incredible book, I am an Occupational Therapy student and I found this book to be powerful and insightful. Newborn captures her emotions, thoughts and experiences in such a way that you feel as though you experienced them with her. For those working in rehab settings, knowing someone who had a stroke or stroke survivors, this is a must read. It is pretty short and I was unable to put it down, happy reading!

This book says it all. My sisiter suffered a stroke at 46 and this book helped me and her husband to understand what exactly she was going through and what to expect.

Although there are several first person accounts of the stroke experience, most have been written from the perspective of the older victim. When stroke hits a young person there a special twists to the knife. All those who have to deal with young people with stroke should read this wonderful book.

I've not only had the pleasure of reading this book, but I've met it's author. She's the real thing. She absolutely shines. She walks a couple of feet off the ground. Ms. Newborn is not only a survivor, but a person who has happiness to share with others. Her book offers incredible insight to those who have either experienced a stroke or know someone who has. She gave me a clear understanding of aphasia and how strokes effect people.

I read quite a few books about strokes following my own, but only wanted to own two. This book, which was a gift from a dear friend, provided such inspiration during my recovery. I still read it from time to time because it continues to be a touchstone for me. I've always loved the poem "Ithaca" which is referenced in the title but it's taken on a special meaning since reading this book. Thank you for writing it, Barbara.

I bought an earlier edition of this book more than 10 years ago, when I was still a neurosurgeon wannabe. I couldn't have chosen better.It is well written, lucid and makes a great foundation to build ones' knowledge of vascular anatomy on. unlike many speciality books, this one makes for a gripping read and does not compromise clarity by indulging in obtuse language. I also read it through my residency. It is delightful in that every time you return to it, you learn more! From the very first read, it enabled me to feel at ease with angiography. Over the course of years, whenever I have been asked for advice, this one is always on the list of must haves. In fact, the reason of my purchasing the current edition is just because the last person who borrowed my copy (conveniently?) forgot to return it :)
I recommend this book particularly to those in neurosurgery, neurology and radiology, without any reservations.

Excellent book.
If your aim is to learn the cerebral circulation this books gives you excellent pictures and written explanations.
It makes it easy to learn normal vascular anatomy and it also gives you an excellent review of all vascular pathologies.
It is my personal opinion that it is worth reading every single chapter.

So far, this remains my reference for neuroangiography. There are large sections on normal anatomy and smaller chapters on intervention and treatment. There are definitely more comprehensive texts, but for beginning neuroangiography, this seems to be a great text.

As a professional neuroradiologist, I recommend this book to all radiologists, neurologists and neurosurgeons who wish to choose just one book in the field of cerebral angiography. In this era of MRA and CTA, this book can give readers not too much, not too little knowledge about normal anatomy and pathological findings. Figures were clearly drawn and clinical DSA images were carefully chosen. Maybe those who wish to become professional neurointerventionists prefer those historical books edited by Dr. Newton, but I suppose even such people would love this book and read it daily.

Make sure to get the newer (2001) version of this text. Amazon will be more than happy to send you a "new" earlier edition (1999) if you aren't careful. Unfortunately, the 1999 cover of "Living with Stroke" is of very low contrast, and thus difficult to read. So, older folks or people with low vision may be a bit put off by the cover. (But don't let this scare you away. The text within is large and readable.) The newer version may very well contain more up-to-date info.

In response to a family emergency, I ordered four books on stoke recovery. Two had been recommended to me as being helpful for lay people: (1) "Living With Stroke: A Guide For Families" (Senelick, Rossi & Dougherty, 1999) and (2) "Stoke and the Family: A New Guide" (Stein, 2004). I ordered these for my family members (and myself). Two more were written at a much more scholarly, technical level for clinicans: (3) "Recovery after Stroke" (Barnes, Dobkin, & Bogousslavsky, Eds, 2005), and (4) "Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach" (Gillen & Burkhardt, Eds, 2004).

Each of these books has much to recommend it. I hope to write reviews of all four later. I can see why the first two are standouts, and have been helpful to so many people. They are well-written, concise books with plenty of important information. They will help you quickly become an educated consumer of medical care. (They won't always familiarize you with medical controversies and choices, but they do a remarkable job of capturing the key issues. Controversies include the use of anti-seizure meds, and the use of statins for cholesterol reduction, especially in women.).

This book describes the various physical manifestation of stroke (e.g., left vs right hemisphere), types of stroke (e.g., thrombotic, embolic, hemorrhagic, lacunar), diagnosis, pharmacological treatments, risk factors, and the basic rehabilitation spectrum--from physical therapy and activities of daily living to impact of stroke on daily life. The book offers creative ideas for navigating each of the key components. I especially liked the fact that the book does a nice job of covering psychological issues. I'm not talking about old-school psychoanalysis here. I'm talking about things like behavioral, cognitive, and family systems approaches to psychological health. There are plenty of tools provided for dealing with cognitive distortion, pessimism, etc. The book is concerned with the health of the patient AND the health of family and friends.

I believe that many people will be able to complete the book in a night or two. That's important when time is of the essence and you are trying to educate yourself quickly.

If you are a family member and or a caretaker: This is the book to bring with you to the hospital waiting room. You are likely to be waiting for long periods between visits with doctors and nurses, and you'll have many questions. You'll learn much more detailed general information from this book than the 10 minutes you spend consulting with the doc. What this book doesn't explain is how to deal with hospital staff who are busy and not always concerned with communicating with family members. But it provides plenty more. You can use this book to educate other family members and friends who might not be as thorough and bookish as you, and win them over to a sensible and realistic agenda.

If you are a professional, you may find this book helpful, for a variety of reasons. First off, you might consider recommending this book, or the book by Stein, to your patients. Moreover, you might use the language in these books to explain situations and decisions to patients and their families. The authors have taken care to discuss emotionally and cognitively complex material in a sensible and clear manner.

Recently, my 31 year old, pregnant sister had an emergency c-section and then had complications that resulted in her suffering TWO strokes. Doctors would not tell us anything, no one could even tell us what they thought would happen with her. Luckily I found this book. This is a primer for strokes -- it gives everything from a lesson on how the brain works to how a rehabilitation program is put together, to how to cope emotionally as a caregiver. It is a quick read, chock full of substantial information, clear and well-written. You don't have to read straight through: it is well indexed and has a clear table of contents so you can get to the information you need most quickly. The most valuable part of the book is the glossary of terms that helps you navigate the medical-speak you are going to hear. Start with this book and you'll be equipped with solid information and understanding. This book was a godsend in a time of crisis.

As a stroke survivor, I can honestly say that this is the one to own. It explains your stroke to both you and your family in laymen's terms, yet never speaks down to you or leaves you feeling hopeless. A must for the stroke survivor and his/her family.

this book has been fantastic for helping families and other caregivers of individuals who have suffered a stroke! this book hadn't been written back when my own father suffered his strokes. i really wish that it had been - it would have been of immense help to my own family. now, i am fortunate to be able to recommend it and lend it to families, who all find it to be well written, easy to read and understand, and full of helpful and practical advice in dealing with our loved one, protecting them, and helping us to communicate more clearly and cope more effectively. an excellent contribution to the field!

Oliver Sack, MD called this book, "a remarkable account of what it means to be paralyzed, speechless, incapable of communication yet fully conscious... and to struggle back, over the years, to an active and creative life."
I was fascinated by this feminist film maker's candid account of her devastating stroke, and learning to live with disability after seeking out a variety of therapies. You see her struggle with depression, overcoming access barriers, dealing with insensitive hospital staff, and coping with the details of bodily disfunction.
It helps me to understand the experience from the inside view. Quite enlightening.

This book should be required reading for anyone in the field of rehabilitation. And it is a tremendously inspiring story for all of us who wonder how we could ever manage if we were struck with a disabling illness. If it were fiction it would be a great read. The fact that it's a true story gives one goosebumps as well. Bonnie Klein suffered a devastating stroke. This book is about her recovery - both physical and psychological - and the wonderful love and support she received from friends and family, especially from a wonderful husband. It also shows the predjudice and meanness of some people when they are faced with a person who is "different". And the ignorance and arrogance of some of the rehabilitation "professionals" she encountered along the way. It is a story of terror, hope, the tremendous importance of love and support, and how one finally comes to terms with being less facile physically than one used to be. Bonnie Klein is a hero. Her family and friends most loving and genuine. It is a great read.

Ms. Klein establishes important rules to live a fruitful, productive lifestyle, despite a chronic illness: Live life by celebrating life. Independence is control over one's own life measured by the quality of life sustained with whatever help is needed. Sometimes dispair can lead to depression. Sometimes, it can be motivating.

This is a great book! I have read a number of books written by stroke survivors and this is one of the best. This may well be because the book was completed several years after the event. This time gave Ms. Klein the chance to gather and refine her thoughts and experiences.

I am also a stroke survivor. Her acknowledgement that she experienced progress long after the stroke was especially encouraging to me. The medical world says that all progress stops in 3 months to a year. My experience is that the body is a living entity, which is forever changing. So, it makes sense that it would not stop changing because of any medical condition.

The book has humor and is written in a warm and caring context. I would recommend it not only for stoke survivors, but also for caretakers and for health professionals