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Episode 85: Empowering Stroke Recovery Through Data and Technology Enabled Solutions with Rory Polera

Rory first joined us on the Know Stroke Podcast (March 2024 Episode 69). A lot of highs and lows have passed in Rory’s recovery since that episode aired and we wanted to share his lessons learned ‘After the Pod’.  

David will also be taking a deeper dive into Rory’s story in his upcoming new book Closure After Stroke.

In this conversation, stroke survivors David Dansereau and Rory Polera discuss the journey of stroke recovery, emphasizing the importance of personal experiences, data-driven insights, and the role of technology in rehabilitation.  

Tip: Watch this full episode on our YouTube Channel  for slide deck.

Rory shares his personal timeline, the challenges he faced, and the tools he used to navigate his recovery. They explore the rising rates of strokes in young adults, the significance of mental health, nutrition, and community support in recovery, and the potential for technology-enabled solutions to enhance stroke rehabilitation outcomes and long term surveillance for secondary prevention. 

The discussion highlights the need for greater awareness and accessibility of tech enabled recovery tools for stroke survivors.

Takeaways

• You don't have to be an engineer or physical therapist to recover from a stroke.
• Conducting an ethnography of oneself can aid recovery.
• Young stroke occurrence rates are rising alarmingly and we need to explore new recovery pathways that resonate with their unique needs.
• Recovery doesn't stop at discharge; it's a continuous journey.
• Mental health is critical at every phase of recovery.
• Data can provide valuable insights into recovery progress.
• Community support plays a vital role in recovery.
• The future of stroke recovery lies in integrating technology and personal experiences with a supportive stroke community.

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Show credits:
Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

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On episode 84, hosts David Dansereau and Mike Garrow sit down with Gary Viles, founder of Neuro Rehab Recovery Inc., to explore how he and his team are breaking down barriers in neurorehabilitation. From his beginnings as a clinician to launching an innovative medical device distribution company, Gary shares his mission to democratize access to cutting-edge rehab technologies like the G4 Foot Drop FES System, exoskeletons, and the new Journey Frame. Whether you're a provider, innovator, or patient, this episode will expand your view of what’s possible in neuro recovery.

Key Takeaways:

• 4 Barriers to Tech Adoption: Gary breaks down common obstacles that limit the use of neurorehabilitation tech—including cost, training, awareness, and integration—and how his team is working to overcome them.
• Inside the Toolkit: Learn about Neuro Rehab Recovery’s tech portfolio
• Telehealth-Enabled Training: Their model includes built-in clinical training and ongoing support via virtual care to empower clinics and improve adoption.
• The Future of Connecting Rehab: Discover how their technologies are integrating with wearable data to track progress, motivate and guide recovery.
• Improving Access: Gary shares how his company is helping clinics in underserved communities and what they’re looking for in clinical partners. 
• Success Stories: How Neuro Rehab Recovery’s tools have already helped improve patient outcomes and restored independence. Be sure to see Gary's tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne on his Linkedin page. 
• The Magic Wand Moment: Hear Gary’s big-picture thinking on how he envisions a redesigned exosuit for better patient access and outcomes. Tony Stark watch out!

Resources:
Visit: neurorehabrecovery.com 

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Show credits:
Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

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In this special follow-up episode of the Know Stroke Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Teresa Kimberley to dive into the one-year outcome study of Vivistim — the first FDA-approved vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy for chronic stroke rehabilitation.

Dr. Kimberley, a leading researcher in neuroplasticity and motor recovery, shares key insights from the study, exploring how Vivistim supports long-term functional gains in stroke survivors. We discuss what the findings mean for brain plasticity, how VNS stacks up against other rehabilitation options, and what’s next in the field of neurorehabilitation.

Whether you’re a clinician, stroke survivor, caregiver, or simply curious about cutting-edge stroke recovery science, this conversation offers valuable takeaways on the future of VNS therapy.

👉 Learn more about Vivistim: https://vivistim.com

🔥Follow Mike & Meg's sauna business on Instagram @DryypSauna

💻Visit his website here: https://www.dryypsauna.com/

University of Vermont Research Study / Wearable Sensors- Gait and Mobility After Stroke

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Show credits:
Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

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Episode Overview:
In this powerful episode of the Know Stroke Podcast, we're diving into a bold and urgent mission: educating one million kids on how to recognize the signs of stroke.

We sit down with the team behind this ambitious initiative—Sevaro CEO Raj Narula and Yale School of Medicine’s Rebecca DiBiase and Samuel Namian—to explore how they’re bringing stroke education into schools across the country.

Together, they’re combining clinical expertise, innovative delivery models, and a shared belief that kids can play a pivotal role in saving lives.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why stroke awareness education belongs in the classroom
• How Sevaro and Yale are partnering to reach 1 million students
• What makes their FAST education program effective and engaging for youth
• The challenges and opportunities of implementing health education at scale
• Personal stories that fuel their passion for this mission

📌 Resources & Links:

• Sevaro CHLD Initiative
• BEFAST, Be a Superhero – Amazon 
• Yale Neurology Department

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Show credits:
Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

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Episode 81: Managing PFO after Stroke: A discussion on diagnosis, treatment options including the patient perspectives and quality of life decisions with David Thaler,MD of Tufts Medical Center.

This conversation in collaboration with the SAYA Consortium explores the relationship between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and stroke, particularly in young adults. Our expert guest, Dr. David Thaler, a vascular neurologist with Tufts Medical Center, discusses the definition of PFO, its diagnosis, and its implications for stroke risk. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding cryptogenic strokes, which often have no identifiable cause, the PFO paradox and how a PFO is often discovered with cryptogenic strokes, the diagnostic tests and the management options available for patients with PFO. The conversation emphasizes the need for patient education and awareness regarding stroke risks and prevention strategies. In this conversation, Dr. Thaler discusses the implications of PFO closure in recurrent stroke prevention, medical management and the importance of patient choice and quality of life, plus the outcomes of the RESPECT Trial. Co-host David Dansereau shares his patient experience as a stroke survivor with PFO who elected for device closure.  The dialogue highlights the evolving landscape of PFO research and the significance of understanding individual patient risks and lifestyle choices.

More About Our Guest: David Thaler,MD-Tufts Medical Center

Show mentions:  Lester Leung,MD, 

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Show credits:
Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

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In this episode of the Know Stroke Podcast, hosts David Dansereau and Mike Garrow reconnect after a break to recap everything that happened at ISC25 and the National Advisory Committee meeting.

Fresh off the heels of the International Stroke Conference (ISC25), they discuss key takeaways from the event, including:
✅ The latest innovations in stroke rehabilitation, including VR, gamification, and alternative care models
✅ The critical role of stroke nurse navigators in post-stroke recovery
✅ The need for stronger representation of stroke survivors at major conferences
✅ The ongoing challenges in stroke prevention, education, and care

They also share insights on upcoming Know Stroke Podcast episodes, future guest interviews, and why community-based support and survivor advocacy remain at the forefront of improving stroke care.

💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• The International Stroke Conference (ISC) is a major event shaping the future of stroke care and rehabilitation.
• Post-stroke care is gaining attention, with new rehab innovations like VR and gamification making an impact.
• Stroke nurse navigators play a crucial role in guiding survivors through the recovery process.
• Survivor voices need more representation in stroke research and professional conferences.
• Community support and education are essential for stroke prevention and long-term recovery.

Show mentions:

• David's Believe in Balance Podcast on Apple
• David's reference to Know Stroke Newsletter now on Substack

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Show credits:
Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

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In this special episode recorded live at the International Stroke Conference (ISC25), we dive into the American Stroke Association’s pilot program, Stroke Connections. This initiative is designed to amplify the voices of stroke survivors and caregivers, ensuring their lived experiences are heard at the conference—a group that has historically been underrepresented in stroke research and advocacy.

Join me as I chat with Stephanie Mohl, National Vice President of the American Stroke Association, and two inspiring stroke survivors and advisory committee members, Gracie Doran and Michelle Ballasiotes (previous guest on Episode 55). We discuss how the Stroke Connections pilot is bridging the gap between research and lived experience, and the importance of community and advocacy for improving stroke care.

While the program is still in its early stages, the goal is to secure sponsors to expand and make survivor perspectives a permanent part of future conferences.

Takeaways from this episode:

• The International Stroke Conference is a critical platform for both research and survivor voices.
• Incorporating survivor experiences into research and conferences can lead to more impactful stroke care and advocacy.
• The Stroke Connections program provides an opportunity to amplify the voices of survivors and caregivers in shaping stroke care and research.

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Show credits:
Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

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Welcome to Episode 78 of the Know Stroke Podcast.  On this episode co-host  David Dansereau is running solo without his broadcasting partner Mike Garrow, who is traveling to LA to attend the 2025 International Stroke Conference ( and maybe he’ll even fit in a Lakers game while there! )

Mike will be taking part in advisory board meetings for the American Heart and Stroke Association, sharing his valuable care provider lived experience and advocacy perspectives. 

For our listeners attending ISC, please introduce yourself to Mike!

On this first episode of 2025, David gives a quick update to why he hasn’t been behind the microphone for a bit on the show,  and also covers his own ‘magic wand’ answer to our somewhat famous question we’ve asked every guest on our show.  

David also reveals the origin story behind the magic wand question, how it's tied to research initiated while at the International Stroke Conference (ISC), his current book project (Closure After Stroke), and what all the knowledge gained from these answers reveals about changes needed to the stroke care pathway. Here are some of the common themes around changes needed in stroke care (see linked post for details):

• Enhanced Public Education and Awareness
• Streamlined Emergency Response Systems
• Comprehensive Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
• Equitable Access to Care
• Advancements in Research and Technology
• Patient and Care Partner Access and Voice

Also David thanks one of our show supporters who reached out to him recently, politely inquiring, ‘are you still doing the show??’ 

So hopefully this episode answers that question too and with it ensures your continued needed support! Help Us -Be a Show Supporter!  

Show Mentions:

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Show credits:
Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

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In this episode, we explore the critical role of social determinants of health (SDOH) in stroke prevention and recovery with an incredible panel of experts from the Bugher Collaborative. Our guests include:

• Dr. Nirupama Yechoor, Principal Investigator at Mass General Hospital and leader of the Bugher Collaborative.
• Dr. Devanshi Choksi, neurologist and colleague of Dr. Yechoor at Mass General.
• Rachel Kitagawa and Sofia Constantinescu, neurology postgraduates from Yale University.

We dive into:

• The Bugher Collaborative: Its mission, the partnership between Mass General, Yale, and UCSF, and how it addresses equity in stroke care.
• Research Highlights: Insights into how socioeconomic status, access to care, and community support affect stroke outcomes.
• Yale’s Findings: Key demographic differences uncovered through their research and what they reveal about health equity.
• The Road Ahead: Next steps for the collaborative and their vision for improving stroke care.
• Magic Wand Wishes: What each guest would change to improve stroke prevention and recovery if they had unlimited resources.

This conversation builds on our discussion of the 2024 ASA Stroke Prevention Guidelines, offering a deeper dive into the intersection of health equity and stroke care.

Resources and Links:

• Learn more about the Bugher Collaborative
• Dr. Nirupama Yechoor’s Bio
• Dr. Devanshi Choksi's Bio
• Rachel Kitagawa’s Bio
• Sofia Constantinescu’s Bio

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Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

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In this episode of the Know Stroke Podcast, hosts Mike Garrow and David Dansereau welcome Vineet Johnson, a licensed physical therapist and entrepreneur, to explore the transformative potential of neuroplasticity in stroke rehabilitation. Vineet discusses the development of his iRegain device, highlighting its focus on gamification, patient engagement, and home therapy. The conversation delves into the challenges of funding, the importance of clinical trial access, and success stories from patients. Vineet envisions a future where affordable and accessible technologies drive recovery.

Episode highlights:

• Discover how over 32 years of expertise in physical therapy and neuroscience shaped Vineet Johnson's innovative approach to stroke recovery.
• Learn about the MyHand™ System, a revolutionary device that leverages neuroplasticity to help stroke and brain injury survivors regain hand function.
• Understand how gamification boosts patient motivation and engagement during therapy.
• Explore how data tracking drives measurable progress and improved clinical outcomes.
• Hear about the challenges healthcare startups face, from funding to raising awareness of clinical trials.
• Get insights into iRegained’s mission to make rehabilitation accessible, affordable, and effective for all.

Learn more about IRegained LLC here - https://iregained.ca/index.php
Connect with Vineet - [email protected]  

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Show credits:
Music intro credit to Jake Dansereau. Our intro welcome is the voice of Caroline Goggin, a stroke survivor and our first podcast guest! Please listen to her inspiring story on Episode 2 of the podcast.

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