Stronger After Stroke

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

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