"Anita's stroke was a hemorrhagic stroke," explains Alan Deutsch, D.O., Anita's neurologist at Jersey Shore. "Unlike the much more common ischemic stroke, which occurs when a clot reduces blood supply to the brain, a hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in the brain itself."
Anita stayed in the Intensive Care Unit at Jersey Shore for 14 days. From there, she enrolled in inpatient rehabilitation at Shore Rehabilitation Institute (SRI), located at Ocean Medical Center, to begin her journey to recovery.
Focused, Intense Therapy
"Where you go for rehabilitation can make a big difference in your recovery," explains Talya Fleming, M.D., a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor at SRI. "Inpatient rehab is very intensive, requiring at least three hours of rehabilitation a day."
For Anita, it was the right fit. Her stroke had left her with severe physical problems, including paralysis on her left side. She was confined to a wheelchair and could not use her left arm or hand even for simple tasks, such as picking up a glass and taking a drink.
At SRI, Anita received physical therapy along with occupational therapy, which focuses on upper-body functioning, and speech therapy, which helps patients with communication, memory, and swallowing problems.
High-Tech Treatment
Her recovery was also aided by technology. "Anita's tailored treatment plan also involved the use of a specialized brace called the SaeboFlex," says Dr. Fleming. "It helps people who have weakness in their hands. By using this technology, Anita was able to practice flexing her hand. Eventually, her brain relearned this motion until she could do it on her own."
Anita spent three weeks in inpatient rehabilitation at SRI and then continued to receive therapy on an outpatient basis. Although she is still in the process of regaining full function on her left side, Anita can now walk on her own with a cane and is back to work.
"I just can't say enough about my doctors and therapists at SRI," she says. "They held back nothing to help me. It wasn't just their job; they were truly there for me. They helped me push to do more, to reach my fullest potential."
About the Doctors
Alan D. Deutsch, D.O.Board certified in Neurology
Neptune | 732-774-8282
Talya Fleming, M.D.
Board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Brick | 732-836-4530
