The medical after-effects of a stroke can be mild or severe. But for young survivors, the consequences of returning to their lives after a stroke, can be just as devastating. In fact, only half of stroke patients under the age of 65 ever return to work – and far more cope with depression, anxiety, and extreme fatigue.

On today’s episode, Heather meets with Dr. Aleksandra Pikula, a pioneer in the field of stroke in young adults. They discuss the latest research, including a new study led by Dr. Pikula, looking at how  lifestyle interventions post stroke  may help to improve long-term outcomes. Plus, we hear from two of Dr. Pikula’s patients to gain a deeper perspective on how they are reclaiming their lives and a nurse practitioner in the stroke unit, about what it’s like when a Code Stroke is called.

Featuring:
Dr. Aleksandra Pikula, Neurologist, Clinician Investigator and Director of Stroke Research with Krembil Brain Institute at UHN, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
Special thanks to La Croix Calloo, Marianne Fedunkiw, and Tim Stewart for sharing their stories.

To hear more from La Croix and Marianne,  listen to their full stories here: https://www.uhn.ca/Krembil/Complex-Brain-Podcast/

Additional Resources:
Krembil Brain Institute Stroke Prevention Clinic
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery
University of Toronto – Stroke

Videos:
‘Krembil Minute’ showcasing Krembil Brain Institute’s world class stroke team
Dr. Timo Krings, head of neuroradiology, imaging and intervention at Krembil Brain Institute and the Joint Department of Medical Imaging at UHN, on why he loves his job.

The Your Complex Brain production team is Heather Sherman, Jessica Schmidt, Dr. Amy Ma, Kim Perry, Alley Wilson, Sara Yuan, Meagan Anderi, Liz Chapman, and Lorna Gilfedder.

The Krembil Brain Institute, part of University Health Network, in Toronto, is home to one of the world's largest and most comprehensive teams of physicians and scientists uniquely working hand-in-hand to prevent and confront problems of the brain and spine, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, chronic pain, brain cancer or concussion, in their lifetime. Through state-of-the-art patient care and advanced research, we are working relentlessly toward finding new treatments and cures.

Do you want to know more about the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN? Visit us at: uhn.ca/krembil

To get in touch, email us at [email protected] or message us on social media:
Instagram - @krembilresearch
Twitter - @KBI_UHN
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KrembilBrainInstitute

Thanks for listening!