Proper medical care can help patients recover after a stroke – or even prevent one in the first place!
Regional One Health offers treatment from physical medicine & rehabilitation physicians like Dr. Danielle Hassel who specialize in helping patients improve function and quality of life after a serious illness or injury.
Dr. Hassel and her team offer expert medical care and rehabilitation therapy to get patients back to the activities they enjoy.
Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in the United States. Proper health care can help you stay independent or resume activities you enjoy after an injury.
As a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, or physiatrist, Danielle Hassel, MD, FAAPMR, specializes in helping patients recover after a serious illness or injury. “My focus is to maximize function and quality of life for those with physical impairments or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nerves,” she said.
While Dr. Hassel sees many patients after their stroke, she is a firm believer that prevention is the best approach. It is estimated that up to 80% of strokes may be prevented.
“In my practice, we utilize multidisciplinary strategies involving colleagues in primary care, neurology, and cardiology to monitor risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity,” she said.
When patients have any of these conditions, lifestyle choices such as increasing physical activity, eating a nutritious diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are a great place to start.
Dr. Danielle Hassel is a physical medicine & rehabilitation physician at Regional One Health. “My focus is to maximize function and quality of life for those with physical impairments or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, muscles and nerves,” she said.
Some patients need medication along with lifestyle changes. It is essential they can access their prescriptions because taking medications regularly is crucial to avoiding strokes.
“Educating patients about stroke symptoms is a priority because swift recognition and seeking medical care are key to survival and recovery,” Dr. Hassel said.
According to the American Stroke Association, learning to act F.A.S.T. can save lives.
“F” is for face drooping or twisting. “A” is for arm weakness. “S” is for speech difficulty. “T” is for time to call 911. Always call 911 or get to the nearest emergency room immediately if you suspect someone is having a stroke. Every second counts.
Dr. Hassel said it’s important to try to note the time when symptoms first appear. This information helps your care team provide the most effective treatment. Additionally, keep in mind that during a stroke one may also experience confusion, vision difficulties, dizziness, loss of balance, or severe headache with unknown cause.
“After a stroke, individuals benefit from patient-centered treatment,” Dr. Hassel said. “Physiatrists aim to design a comprehensive plan based on the needs and goals of each patient.”
Integral members of the care team include but are not limited to therapists (such as physical, occupational, speech, and recreational), nurses, and case managers.
“We teach strategies and provide training for patients to overcome deficits such as weakness or paralysis, speech difficulty, trouble with memory or concentration, and emotional changes,” Dr. Hassel said. “Use of targeted exercises and cutting-edge therapies like robotics can improve strength, coordination and mobility. We address problems with communication and swallowing.”
Dr. Hassel and her team use targeted exercises and cutting-edge therapies like robotics can improve strength, coordination and mobility so patients can get back to the activities they enjoy.
Recommendations are made for equipment/assistive devices and home modifications to make day-to-day life easier.
“As patients get stronger and increase their independence, they become comfortable with going back to or learning new activities they’ve been shown under our care,” Dr. Hassel said.
Rehabilitation may transition from an inpatient program to an outpatient setting after leaving the hospital. Often patients continue making progress for months or even years after a stroke.
“This is a favorite part of my job!” she said. “I have the chance to be a long-term partner making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients as well as their families and/or caregivers.”
“Remember, a stroke doesn’t define you. With good medical care, you can preserve your abilities and get back to doing what you love!”