Stronger After Stroke

Episode 39: Fighting Fatigue: Reclaiming Energy After Stroke Post-stroke fatigue affects up to 70% of survivors, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of recovery. In this episode of Stronger After Stroke, Mark Green shares with stroke nurse navigator Rosa Hart from his experience navigating fatigue and brain fog following his stroke. Mark opens up about the frustration of wanting to return to his active lifestyle while his body demanded rest, the strategies that helped him manage his energy levels, and the mindset shifts that allowed him to redefine what "normal" looked like. Mark's story offers both practical wisdom and hope for survivors and caregivers facing similar challenges, reminding us that healing isn't always linear, and that progress comes in many forms. Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share "Stronger After Stroke" with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke. For more support, view the programs available online and in person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/ If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare's "MedChat" podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. "MedChat" provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians. Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit health care system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com. Date of original release: February 9, 2026

Understanding Stroke Medications and Personalized Recovery In this essential episode, host Rosa Hart, BSN, RN, SCRN sits down with Dr. Bryan Eckerle to demystify one of the most overwhelming aspects of stroke recovery: medications. If you or a loved one has ever left the hospital clutching a bag of pill bottles and wondering "Why am I taking all of these?" - this episode is for you. Dr. Eckerle, with his expertise in stroke care and patient-centered treatment, breaks down the critical medications prescribed after stroke, explaining not just what they do, but why they matter for your recovery and long-term health. From blood thinners to cholesterol medications, we cover the science, the side effects, and the strategies for staying on track. Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share "Stronger After Stroke" with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke. For more support after stroke, check out the programs available online and in person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/ If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare's "MedChat" podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. "MedChat" provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians. Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit health care system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com. Date of original release: January 12, 2025

Regaining Control: Pelvic Floor Therapy for Incontinence After Stroke Incontinence after stroke is common — but highly treatable. In this episode, Lisa Cecil, P.T., DPT, pelvic floor therapist, discusses why bladder and bowel changes happen after stroke and how pelvic floor therapy can help restore control, comfort and confidence. This podcast covers: How stroke impacts bladder and bowel function What pelvic floor therapy looks like for stroke survivors Techniques that improve urgency, leakage and incomplete emptying How therapy boosts independence and quality of life Practical exercises and habits you can safely start at home Tune in for empowering, stigma-free guidance to help survivors and caregivers navigate one of the most overlooked parts of stroke recovery. Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share "Stronger After Stroke" with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke. For more support, view our programs available online and in person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/ If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare's "MedChat" podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. "MedChat" provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians. Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit health care system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com. Date of original release: Dec. 8, 2025

Women and Stroke: Recovery, Prevention and Health Equity In this episode of "Stronger After Stroke," host Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, talks with Tamika Burrus, M.D., a stroke neurology specialist, about how stroke uniquely affects women. Together, they explore critical differences in how women respond to stroke treatments, such as thrombolytics (alteplase and tenecteplase) and mechanical thrombectomy, why recovery can look different for women, and what steps health care systems can take to close the gender gap in stroke outcomes. Dr. Burrus shares insights on physical, cognitive and emotional recovery challenges that women often face after stroke. The conversation also highlights disparities in stroke rehabilitation access, follow-up care and stroke prevention — particularly among Black and Hispanic women, who face a higher risk. Listeners will gain practical takeaways on how women can reduce their stroke risk through lifestyle changes, the importance of early screening by primary care and OB/GYN providers, and how health care professionals can improve outcomes through education, advocacy and equitable care. In this episode, you will learn: How estrogen impacts the cardiovascular system The unique physical, cognitive and emotional recovery challenges women face after stroke Disparities in access to rehabilitation and follow-up care for women compared with men Lifestyle changes that can significantly reduce stroke risk for women at any age How racial and ethnic disparities affect stroke risk among Black and Hispanic women The role of primary care and OB/GYN providers in early stroke risk screening Common misconceptions about stroke in women The most important next steps for women recovering from stroke How nurses and health care professionals can improve stroke outcomes and equity Key takeaway:Women experience stroke differently — biologically, socially and systemically. Improving prevention, early detection and equitable access to care can help save lives and support stronger recoveries. About our guest:Tamika M. Burrus, M.D., is a stroke neurologist with Norton Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Burrus earned her medical degree from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. She completed her residency in neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and a fellowship in vascular neurology at the University of California, San Francisco. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and co-author on several national guidelines for the American Academy of Neurology and the American Heart Association. Dr. Burrus believes it is important to ensure that patients feel as if their interaction is a partnership. She strives to help her patients understand their brain and spine and to collaborate with her regarding the best treatment plan for them. She has specialized expertise in telemedicine and was one of the early adopters in the field of teleneurology. Dr. Burrus is a Louisville native. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and has visited 44 U.S. states and numerous countries outside North America. Dr. Burrus also likes cooking, art and philanthropic endeavors. Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share "Stronger After Stroke" with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke. For more support after stroke, check out the programs available online and in person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/ If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare's "MedChat" podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. "MedChat" provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians. Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit health care system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com. Date of original release: Nov. 10, 2025

Episode 35. Part 1 of 2: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Stroke Stroke doesn't impact men and women in the same way. Understanding the difference matters in terms of risks, symptoms and prevention strategies In Part 1 of this two-part series, Rabia G. Buridi, M.D., a vascular neurologist with Norton Neuroscience Institute, talks with host Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, to break down what women need to know about stroke and empower them to act quickly when stroke strikes. In this episode, you will also learn: Why stroke risk isn't the same for men and women. How life events, such as pregnancy or migraines, can impact long-term brain health. What "atypical" stroke symptoms look like in women — and why recognizing them early can save lives. Leading causes of stroke in women and how they are different from the causes for men. Stroke presentation and diagnosis in women, including atypical symptoms that are often missed and tips for recognizing stroke early. About Dr. Buridi: Dr. Buridi earned her medical degree from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, completed her neurology residency at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Concord, New Hampshire, and completed a vascular neurology fellowship at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois. Her philosophy centers on education, treatment and prevention — helping patients not just survive but thrive. Born and raised in Louisville, Dr. Buridi balances her career with family life and a love for experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share "Stronger After Stroke" with someone who needs a little extra support navigating life after stroke. For more support after stroke, check out the programs available both virtually and in person through Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers: https://nortonhealthcare.com/services-and-conditions/neurosciences/patient-resources/resource-center/. If you enjoyed this podcast, listen to Norton Healthcare's "MedChat" podcast, available in your favorite podcast app. "MedChat" provides continuing medical education on the go and is targeted toward physicians and clinicians. Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit health care system, is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas. More information about Norton Healthcare is available at NortonHealthcare.com. Date of original release: Oct. 13, 2025