Stroke Awareness

The reality though is that several conditions can mimic warning signs such as aphasia due to say a sinus infection, post concussive injury or even low blood sugar. One can find hypochondriacs and those who have psychosomatic, as well as conversion disorders everywhere at times in desperate need of attention. I’ve often seen incompetence plus unprofessional behavior become rampant where a physician’s personal biases influence patient treatment, a prime example is someone who was admitted to an ER last May with most major signs indicating potential stroke plus chest pain, change in mental state, a panic attack & difficulty breathing. They were brought in by ambulance(I was in the same waiting room that evening, won’t go into specific details)That person was never properly examined by neurology but instead had blood taken in the hall & was eventually sent home after being given painkillers despite limping, as well as drooping on one side, this was really quite bothersome to see.

As for recovery there are several new treatment methodologies on the horizon including neural stem cells which have already shown potential in reversing Parkinsons and post stroke damage. Even niacin, as well as exercise, certain vitamins, nootropics & other supplements can rewire one’s brain after an ischemic event however not all physicians are aware of this. For the longest while rest was viewed as crucial following a concussion but now the view has changed with exercise seen as crucial once symptoms subside *As grandpa Simpson* I first met nootropics as a university student struggling with final exams lol……All kidding aside, though this is true research has confirmed some substances do increase plasticity unfortunately there are side effects. Niacin for example IIRC causes insulin spikes while turmeric,(which is also an anticoagulant) also reduces blood sugar levels, same with green tea.

Just a little side note, though obtaining clinical experience from a clinic(or hospital where student volunteers are not mistreated) has been damn near impossible I may have finally landed something. Unless things change massively during the next month or so I should be doing days working with geriatric residents as a porter and potentially physio assistant.Unfortunately the commute will be killer at an hour by bus each way. As for research experience the neuro building, as well as associated labs remain closed until next year so getting in even just doing grunt work on top of the essays may be a crap shoot.