As Certified Orthotists, we are only a small part of the healthcare team that looks after the people who have had a stroke. Although not all people who have a stroke require a brace, one of the most common reasons that I see people in my office for a consultation regarding an ankle foot orthosis (AFO or leg brace) is due to a stroke. In fact, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, more than 50,000 people in Canada have a stroke each year. Since I do see so many people who have had strokes, I am always interested in new technology (ways to make a better AFO) and new knowledge to help my patients (so I can do a better job). I recently came across a book that I highly recommend to all healthcare professionals as well as family and caregivers of people who have had a stroke.
My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D. relates her experience of having a stroke. Her unique perspective as a "brain scientist" helps us all understand the physical side (damage the stroke causes) and how she as a patient, lived through the chain of events following the stroke. She gives insight to the people who are on the outside, helping, treating, caring for the person who has had a stroke that helps us to understand what is or could be happening on the inside of the brain that has had a stroke. This insight will help us be more compassionate, patient and thoughtful which in turn will help us care better for the person who sometimes does not have the voice to speak for themself.
