Stronger After Stroke

TITLE | Stroke Survivor Phyllis Taylor on Getting Back Up, Every Time Three strokes, a brain bleed and a farm full of rescue animals counting on her — Phyllis Taylor keeps getting back up. In this episode, she tells us exactly how. Phyllis sits down with Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, FLAA, and shares her story of recovery spanning seven years, from her first stroke in December 2018 to her most recent in June 2025. It's honest, sometimes funny, and full of practical wisdom for survivors and caregivers who are in the thick of it. In this episode: The stroke that looked like grief. Phyllis's first stroke came just after losing her son to Gaucher disease. Her symptoms were first blamed on grief, and it took two days and an MRI to confirm what really happened. She went on to relearn walking, talking and writing through physical, occupational and speech therapy. The warning signs she missed. Before that first major stroke, Phyllis had episodes of numbness and lost grip in her right hand while sewing. She thought it was a pinched nerve. Looking back, those were mini-strokes, or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), and her story is a reminder to take sudden symptoms seriously, even when they go away. Stroke number two (2024). A headache and vision changes at dinner with her daughter were first called ocular migraines. Phyllis lost her peripheral vision and worked her way to getting it back. The night her dog knocked her out. During a nightly perimeter check of her farm, her 95-pound Bernedoodle took her down hard. Her Apple Watch detected the fall and called for help, and she had to belly crawl past her invisible fence so paramedics could reach her. The result was a concussion, brain contusion and brain bleed that temporarily paralyzed her left side. Recovery through routine. Phyllis didn't wait for therapy to do all the work. She was back to hauling hay to the barn at 7:30 a.m., rebuilding her legs on an elliptical and crocheting with arthritis-friendly hooks to strengthen her hands. Stroke number three (June 2025). She woke at 2 a.m. unable to use her right hand. This time it didn't go away. Her daughter and neighbors coordinated a response that brought 12 firefighters to her door in the middle of the night. Neuroplasticity in real life. She began playing the organ again, daily Sudoku, and handwriting practice that started with tiny letters and grew as her grip came back. Learning to ask for help. Once fiercely independent, Phyllis now leans on her daughter and neighbors and even gave a neighbor a house key to check on her if she isn't seen for a day or two. Her message to survivors and caregivers: Stay positive. Make yourself do the things you don't think you can do. Keep trying because eventually you will get it. About Phyllis Phyllis Taylor is a stroke survivor, farmer and animal rescuer. Her small rescue farm is home to horses, sheep, geese, turkeys, ducks, chickens, 10 cats, a Great Dane and the infamous Bernedoodle. Through multiple strokes and a traumatic brain injury, she's stayed committed to her independence, animals and recovery. Know the signs: BE-FAST—Balance, Eyes, Face, Arm, Speech, Time to call 911. Symptoms that come and go still need emergency care. 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 healthcare 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. 9, 2026

DATE OF RELEASE: Oct. 12, 2026 Episode 47 TITLE | Delirium vs. Dementia After Stroke: How to Tell the Difference Is your loved one suddenly confused after a stroke? It could be delirium, and there are things you can do to help. In this episode of "Stronger After Stroke," host Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, sits down with Rachel N. Hart, D.O., memory and cognitive disorders neurologist and geriatrician with Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center, to talk about delirium after stroke. It can be frightening for families and tricky to spot. Dr. Hart explains the two main types of delirium, why stroke survivors are especially vulnerable, how to tell delirium from dementia, what families can do while their loved one is in the hospital, and what recovery looks like in the weeks and months that follow. Delirium is a sudden change in thinking that comes on over hours to days. Dementia progresses gradually. There are two main types: hyperactive (agitated, hallucinating, pulling at IVs) and hypoactive (very sleepy, withdrawn). About 50% of patients show both within 24 hours. Stroke survivors are more vulnerable because the stroke itself puts the brain under chronic stress. An infection or another illness on top of that can tip the balance. Families are the best advocates. Bring an updated medication list, sensory aids (glasses, hearing aids, dentures) and comfort items from home (CPAP, sleep mask, earplugs). No pill cures delirium. Prevention works far better: reorientation, routine, hydration, early mobility and a careful review of medications. Recovery can take weeks to months, especially for people with prior neurological conditions. If delirium has not subsided in 3 to 4 months, ask about an evaluation for an underlying memory disorder. 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 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 healthcare 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. 12, 2026

Episode 46   'They Sent Me Home' — Why Stroke Symptoms in Pregnant Women Are So Often Missed | Stronger After Stroke Pregnancy and the postpartum period are often viewed as times of joy and recovery, but they can also be periods of increased risk for serious neurological complications. In this episode of "Stronger After Stroke," Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, host and stroke nurse navigator, Norton Neuroscience Institute, sits down with Eliza C. Miller, M.D., M.S., one of the nation's leading physicians in women's cerebrovascular health, to discuss the often overlooked reality of stroke during pregnancy and the postpartum period. More than one in four pregnant and postpartum women who experience a stroke had already sought medical attention for their symptoms before the stroke was recognized. Symptoms such as severe headache, confusion or neck pain are often mistaken for common pregnancy-related discomforts, creating dangerous delays in diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Miller shares her expertise on why these diagnostic gaps persist and what patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals need to know to improve outcomes. As neurologist and chief of women's neurology at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Dr. Miller leads one of only two dedicated divisions of women's neurology in the United States and directs a nationally recognized maternal stroke program. Her work focuses on advancing research, education and awareness around women's brain health and maternal stroke. In this episode, you'll hear about: ·      Why pregnancy and the postpartum period significantly increase stroke risk and the physiological changes behind that risk ·      Stroke symptoms beyond BE-FAST that pregnant and postpartum women should never ignore, including severe headache, neck pain and confusion ·      Why more than 25% of maternal stroke patients had already been evaluated by a healthcare provider before receiving the correct diagnosis ·      The knowledge gaps that exist across obstetrics, emergency medicine and neurology when caring for women with neurological symptoms ·      What an appropriate clinical response should look like when a pregnant or postpartum woman presents with possible stroke symptoms ·      The research still needed to better understand maternal stroke and how a national patient registry could improve care ·      An important message for stroke survivors who felt their symptoms were dismissed during pregnancy or after childbirth One of the most persistent challenges in maternal stroke care is that warning signs often do not fit the traditional picture of stroke, causing both patients and providers to underestimate their significance. Dr. Miller's message is clear: awareness, education and timely evaluation save lives. When neurological symptoms occur during pregnancy or the postpartum period, they deserve serious attention. Whether you are a stroke survivor, an expectant or new parent, a caregiver or a healthcare professional, this episode provides valuable insight into one of the most important and underrecognized areas of stroke care today. 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 healthcare 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: Sept.14, 2026

Episode 45   Spinal Cord Stroke | Stronger After Stroke In this episode of "Stronger After Stroke," Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, stroke nurse navigator for Norton Neuroscience Institute, sits down with Maggie Rasche, whose life changed in an instant at age 17 when a rare spinal cord stroke left her paralyzed during a typical school day. Maggie shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience and recovery. What began as mild tingling quickly became a medical emergency that led to 29 days in the intensive care unit (ICU), two life-threatening events and months of intensive rehabilitation. Today, Maggie is living independently in college, driving, traveling and pursuing her dream of becoming a civil engineer. This episode is a powerful reminder that stroke can happen at any age, that recovery is possible and that determination can overcome extraordinary challenges. In this episode: ·      A rare spinal cord stroke in a healthy teenager ·      The warning signs that appeared that morning ·      Why fast action and emergency treatment mattered ·      Spending 29 days in the ICU and surviving two codes ·      Relearning how to breathe, speak, eat, sit up and walk ·      The emotional moment Maggie spoke for the first time after receiving a tracheostomy ·      How determination fueled her recovery journey ·      Returning to school and finishing exams from her hospital bed ·      Life after rehabilitation and thriving in college ·      Hope and encouragement for stroke survivors and caregivers   Key takeaways: ·      Strokes can occur in young, healthy individuals. ·      Early recognition and emergency treatment can save lives. ·      Neuroplasticity allows the brain and nervous system to continue adapting during recovery. ·      Recovery timelines are unique, and progress can continue long after the initial injury. ·      Family support, advocacy and perseverance play a critical role in healing. Who should listen: ·      Stroke survivors ·      Caregivers and family members ·      Healthcare professionals ·      Rehabilitation specialists ·      Students interested in medicine and neuroscience ·      Anyone looking for an inspiring story of overcoming adversity 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 healthcare 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: Aug. 10, 2026

Nutrition After Stroke: Eating Safely When Swallowing Is Hard | Stronger After Stroke After a stroke, something as simple as eating can suddenly feel overwhelming or even dangerous. If you or someone you love has been told they need a modified texture diet, you probably have more questions than answers. In this episode of "Stronger After Stroke," Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, stroke nurse navigator, Norton Neuroscience Institute, sits down with Bethany Farmer, RDN, LDN, M.Ed., registered dietitian and clinical nutritionist, to take the confusion out of eating safely at home after stroke. Bethany brings clinical expertise and practical real-world guidance to the table. She breaks down what a modified texture diet means, how the IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) framework works, and why following the prescribed diet level is one of the most important things a stroke survivor can do to protect their recovery. In this episode, you'll hear about: ·      What modified texture diets are and why they matter after stroke ·      Common foods that seem safe but can be dangerous for people with swallowing difficulties ·      How to thicken liquids correctly and consistently at home ·      Practical tips for keeping meals nutritious, appealing and dignified ·      Signs that swallowing may be improving and when to ask for a reevaluation ·      How caregivers can support safe mealtimes without added stress One of the biggest fears involving dysphagia is that mealtimes will never feel normal again. Bethany's message is one of both caution and hope. With the right knowledge and the right team, eating can still be safe, satisfying and even enjoyable. Whether you are a stroke survivor navigating a new way of eating, a caregiver trying to keep your loved one safe at the table or a clinician looking for patient-friendly resources to share, this episode is packed with information you can use right away. 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 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 healthcare 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: July 13, 2026

Episode 43: Swallowing Safely After Stroke: A Speech Therapist's Guide for Stroke Survivors and Caregivers | Stronger After Stroke Swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, affect nearly half of all stroke survivors, yet many families don't receive clear answers about what's happening or what to do next. In this episode, Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, stroke nurse navigator, sits down with Scarlett Staton, M.S., CCC-SLP, a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, to pull back the curtain on one of stroke recovery's most overlooked challenges. Whether you're a survivor navigating a new diet, a caregiver managing mealtimes at home or a family member trying to advocate in the hospital, this conversation gives you the information you need. What you'll hear in this episode: ·      Why dysphagia happens after stroke and what's going on in the brain and body ·      The difference between silent aspiration and visible swallowing difficulty, and why silent aspiration is so dangerous ·      What thickened liquids and modified food textures really mean for daily life ·      How swallowing recovery progresses and what realistic timelines look like ·      How to advocate for a swallowing evaluation if one hasn't been offered ·      What caregivers need to know about safe mealtimes at home ·      The connection between dysphagia and speech 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 after stroke, check out the programs available virtually and in person through the Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center: 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 healthcare 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: June 8, 2026

Episode 42:  30 years of stroke care: What survivors and caregivers need to know now | Stronger After Stroke Stroke care has been transformed over the past three decades, and those advances mean something real for survivors and caregivers navigating recovery right now. In this episode, host Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, sits down with three Norton Neuroscience Institute staff to break down what the 2024 American Heart Association/American Stroke Association updated stroke guidelines mean for you. In this episode: ·      What stroke program certification means for patients ·      The truth about thrombectomy and why calling 911 as soon as possible changes everything ·      What neuroplasticity means for recovery, even years after stroke ·      Therapies backed by strong evidence that many survivors never hear about ·      Why caregivers are now formally part of the standard of care ·      What to do when you live far from a major stroke center Meet the guests: Jessica Sumner, MSN, R.N., CNS, CEN, director of clinical effectiveness and stroke care for Norton Healthcare, leads stroke program certification and statewide quality improvement efforts across Kentucky and Indiana. Jeanette Lanoire, P.T., DPT, NCS, is a physical therapist and board-certified neurologic clinical specialist. She has deep expertise in stroke rehabilitation, movement disorders and community-based neurological wellness. Dimitri Laurent, M.D., is a neurosurgeon and spine surgeon known for making complex surgical information clear and approachable for patients and families. This conversation is not for clinicians. It is for survivors, caregivers and anyone who wants to understand what great stroke care looks like and how to ask for it.   Subscribe to "Stronger After Stroke" for more episodes at the intersection of clinical excellence and real recovery. Want more inspiring stories and real-life resources? Subscribe and share "Stronger After Stroke" with someone who needs a little extra support navigating their recovery. For more support after stroke, check out the programs available 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: May 11, 2026

April 13 Episode 41:  Wired to Heal: Hope for Recovery After Pediatric Stroke On this episode of "Stronger After Stroke," host and stroke nurse navigator Rosa Hart interviews Catherine P. Schuster, M.D., a pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with Norton Children's. From her years of experience helping patients under age 18 live their best life after stroke, Dr. Schuster explains that pediatric stroke is less common than adult stroke but that rehabilitation teams typically get involved with nearly all cases, starting in the hospital soon after the event and continuing through inpatient rehab, outpatient follow-up and long-term goal-making as children grow. Dr. Schuster highlights key rehab focuses, such as early positioning to prevent secondary complications; managing the transition from flaccid weakness to tightness with stretches, braces, medications and injections; and adapting tasks with tools and creative problem-solving. She emphasizes children's resilience, the importance of repeatedly asking about resources and options, navigating insurance, and finding pediatric rehab services at major children's hospitals, especially Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Centers. Dr. Schuster is assistant professor of pediatric rehabilitation medicine with the University of Louisville Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She is dual board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and in pediatric rehabilitation medicine. Dr. Schuster gathers expertise from a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals to offer a comprehensive approach to caring for children and adolescents with conditions affecting motor development, function and independence. Through use of state-of-the-art equipment, advanced rehabilitation techniques and access to progressive research, she is committed to bringing each child to their highest level of function possible for their specific condition. 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 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: April 13, 2026

Title: How Kids Heal After Stroke with Arpita Lakhotia, M.D. Join us for a conversation with pediatric neurologist Arpita Lakhotia, M.D., director of the Norton Children's Stroke Clinic. Dr. Lakhotia unpacks what life after a pediatric stroke really looks like. She breaks down the recovery journey for children who've experienced stroke, exploring how early recognition, rapid response and a tailored multidisciplinary plan can make all the difference in a child's long-term outcome. You'll hear real-world strategies to help maximize progress through therapy, including physical, occupational and speech support, and how resilience and neuroplasticity work together to unlock healing in young brains. Children's stroke recovery is unique and deeply personal, and Dr. Lakhotia offers clear, compassionate guidance for families navigating each step of that journey. Whether you're a caregiver seeking practical tools for home support, a survivor's family member adjusting to post-stroke life or someone wanting to understand how pediatric stroke care really works, this conversation delivers hope, expertise and actionable insights. From building strength and confidence in daily routines to working with schools and therapy teams, we dive into ways families can empower their children through recovery while fostering emotional resilience and quality of life. Don't miss this deeply informative discussion that blends knowledge with heart — because every child's recovery story matters.   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: March 9, 2026

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