Episodes

Sunday Jul 09, 2023
Sex & Intimacy With Sujata Martin, MS, OTR/L
Sunday Jul 09, 2023
Sunday Jul 09, 2023
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EPISODE TITLE: Sex & Intimacy with Sujata Martin, MS, OTR/L
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, Deb talks with Sujata Martin about sex & intimacy. We covered:
- Sex, Sexuality, and Intimacy
- The impact of a neurological diagnosis on the pelvic floor, function and one’s identity
- Where sex and sexuality are addressed in the OT Practice Framework, 4th edition
- How fine motor deficits impact bowel & bladder management, including catheter management
- Sexual expression, psychological & physical aspects of intimacy
- Finding the right practitioner-why properly trained OT practitioners may be able to help & finding a good provider/client fit
- The role of occupational therapy practitioners in addressing sexual needs of clients, including clinician responsibility in receiving client responses; the importance of withholding judgment to avoid damage to the client
- Additional training required to treat pelvic dysfunction & to provide sex counseling
- The importance of client questioning and, sometimes, persistence, when advocating to getting one’s needs met
- Being open to considering other possibilities such as adaptations to enhance connection and intimacy
- Being mindful not to adapt to the caregiver & sick role only - remembering who you are to maintain relationship
- Sexuality as a means of strengthening relationships with one’s partner(s) and oneself
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Noggins And Neurons. As always, we want to hear from you! Email us at Nogginsandneurons@gmail.com
Show References
Mellor, R.M. et. al, (2013). Healthcare professionals’ views on discussing sexual wellbeing with patients who have had a stroke: A qualitative study. PLOS | ONE, 8(10).
Naphtali, K., MacHattie, E., Elliott, S.L. & Krassioukov, A. (2009). Pleasure ABLE: Sexual device manual for persons with disabilities. Disabilities Health Research Network.
O’Shea, A., Frawley, P., Leahy, J. W., & Nguyen, H.D. (2020). A critical appraisal of sexuality and relationships programs for people with acquired brain injury. Sexuality and Disability, 38:57-83. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-020-09616-5
Prior, S., Reeves, N., Peterson, G., Jaffray, L., & Campbell, S. (2019). Addressing the gaps in post-stroke sexual activity Rehabilitation: Patient Perspectives. Healthcare 7, 25; doi:10.3390/healthcare7010025
Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality & Intimacy
- University of Indianapolis-https://uindy.edu/health-sciences/ot/opisi
- Development of the Occupational Performance Inventory of Sexuality and Intimacy (OPISI): Phase One-https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot/vol8/iss2/7/
Find a pelvic therapist: Pelvicrehab.com
Sujata’s website: pelvicsoul.com
THERAPY PRACTICE RESOURCES:
DEB’S RESOURCES
- Beyond the Basics: Motor Recovery Bootcamp (Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Guide)
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US addresses only)
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
- Occupational Therapy Intervention 2 Pack: Scavenger Hunt & Visual Trails for Adults
- Noggins And Neurons Podcast Creative Learning & Discussion Guide (Free for podcast members)
PETE’S blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
DORO’S OT PRACTICE – The Neuro Hub
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit!
- Guest Request Form
- MUSIC: “Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com
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Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Impact of Psychosocial Factors on Stroke Recovery
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, Doro and Deb talk with D’Youville University students, Devin Jones, Brittany Sockwell and their professor, Tracy Bentley-Root about the psychosocial aspects stroke survivors experience. We covered:
- Stroke statistics
- Lack of awareness around how stroke impacts survivors' mental health
- Pre and post stroke anxiety and depression
- Clinician and Care Provider self-care to avoid burn out.
- Using the research for interventions, try them...if they work, great. If not, try another one.
- The 3 legs of evidence-based practice:
- What the evidence says
- Practitioner clinical reasoning
- Judgement related to the scenario & the client.
- Advocating for the survivor to get quality care.
- Care Partners advocating for the survivor (they know them best) based on their knowledge of the person. You do not have to accept whatever is happening.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Noggins And Neurons. As always, we want to hear from you! Email us at Nogginsandneurons@gmail.com
EPISODE REFERENCES:
Show References
Cheng, H. Y., Chair, S. Y., & Chau, J. P. (2012). The effectiveness of caregiver psychosocial interventions on the psychosocial wellbeing, physical health and quality of life of stroke family caregivers and their stroke survivors: A systematic review. JBI Library of Systematic Reviews, 10(12), 679- 797. https://10.11124/jbisrir-2012-66
Cheong, M. J., Kang, Y., & Kang, H. W. (2021). Psychosocial Factors Related to Stroke Patients’ Rehabilitation Motivation: A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis Focused on South Korea. Healthcare (Basel), 9(9), 1211. https://10.3390/healthcare9091211
Kirkevold, M., Kildal Bragstad, L., Bronken, B. A., Kvigne, K., Martinsen, R., Gabrielsen Hjelle, E., Kitzmüller, G., Mangset, M., Angel, S., Aadal, L., Eriksen, S., Wyller, T. B., & Sveen, U. (2018). Promoting psychosocial well-being following stroke: study protocol for a randomized, controlled trial. BMC Psychology, 6(1), 12. https://10.1186/s40359-018-0223-6
Minshall, C., Castle, D. J., Thompson, D. R., Pascoe, M., Cameron, J., Mccabe, M., Apputhurai, P., Knowles, S. R., Jenkins, Z. R., & Ski, C. F. (2020). A psychosocial intervention for stroke survivors and carers: 12–month outcomes of a randomized controlled trial. Informa UK Limited. https://10.1080/10749357.2020.1738677
Panzeri, A., Ferrario, S. R., Vidotto, G. (2019). Interventions for psychological health of stroke caregivers: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 10(2045). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02045
Rochette, A. R., Korner-Bitensky, N., Bishop, D., Teasell, R., White C. L., Bravo, G., Côté, R., Green, T., Lebrun, L.-H., Lanthier, S., Kapral, M., & Bayley, M. (2013). The YOU CALL-WE CALL randomized clinical trial impact of a multimodal support intervention after a mild stroke. Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, 6(6), 674-679. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.113.000375
Terrill, A. L., Schwartz, J. K., Belagaje, S. R. (2018). Best practices for the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team: A review of mental health issues in mild stroke survivors. Stroke Research and Treatment, 2018, 6187328. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/6187328
THERAPY PRACTICE RESOURCES:
PODCAST IN EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR GUIDE + MINI LESSON
DEB’S RESOURCES
- Beyond the Basics: Motor Recovery Bootcamp (Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Guide)
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US addresses only)
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
- Occupational Therapy Intervention 2 Pack: Scavenger Hunt & Visual Trails for Adults
- Noggins And Neurons Podcast Creative Learning & Discussion Guide (Free for podcast members)
PETE’S blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
-
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
DORO’S OT PRACTICE – The Neuro Hub
FOR FUN:
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit!
- Guest Request Form
- MUSIC: “Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com
✨Google Podcasts ✨iTunes ✨Spotify

Wednesday May 03, 2023
Factors Affecting Stroke Recovery
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Wednesday May 03, 2023
NogginsAndNeurons: The Website
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EPISODE TITLE: Factors Affecting Stroke Recovery
EPISODE SUMMARY: EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, we talk with D’Youville University students, Minkshi Kareer and Victoria Purucker, and their professor, Tracy Bentley-Root about the continuum of care in brain injury recovery. We covered a wide variety of topics, including:
- The effects of age, gender, race, and importance of proper diagnosis on short term/long term recovery and overall survivor outcomes
- How culture & community impacts stroke recovery
- The impact of beliefs on stroke recovery and provider roles
- Pharmacological & Non-pharmacological interventions for treating depression symptoms following stroke and being facilitators for recovery
- “Practice makes progress,” and the practitioner role in helping survivors and their loved ones identify gains when they might otherwise go unnoticed
- Ensuring that survivors and care partners are given appropriate and relevant resources related to the stroke and continued stroke recovery. Practitioners can improve support strategies by reviewing the information after discharge whether at home or in outpatient settings.
- The importance of care partner education on the recovery process for facilitating optimal survivor recovery
- Cognitive reserve defined and the impact on recovery
- Use of the “Poststroke Checklist to Standardize Follow-up Care for Stroke Survivors”
- Addressing quality of life through survivor and care partner trainings that address concerns and planting seeds and providing resources for addressing possible future concerns
- Providing post-discharge services such as respite care and overall care coordination to support better outcomes
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Noggins And Neurons. As always, we want to hear from you! Email us at Nogginsandneurons@gmail.com
Show References
Is Sex a Prognostic Factor in Stroke Rehabilitation? A Matched Comparison
Factors Affecting Post-stroke Motor Recovery: Implications on Neurotherapy After Brain Injury
Awareness of Deficits in Stroke Rehab
Cognitive Reserve as an Emerging Concept in Stroke Recovery
THERAPY PRACTICE RESOURCES:
DEB’S RESOURCES
- Beyond the Basics: Motor Recovery Bootcamp (Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Guide)
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
- Occupational Therapy Intervention 2 Pack: Scavenger Hunt & Visual Trails for Adults
- Noggins And Neurons Podcast Creative Learning & Discussion Guide (Free for podcast members)
PETE’S blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
DORO’S OT PRACTICE – The Neuro Hub
FOR FUN:
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit!
- Guest Request Form
- MUSIC: “Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com
✨Google Podcasts ✨iTunes ✨Spotify

Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Stroke Recovery Along the Continuum of Care
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
EPISODE TITLE: Stroke Recovery Along the Continuum of Care
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, we talk with D’Youville University students, Hannah Waring and Madison Mendofik, and their professor, Tracy Bentley-Root about the continuum of care in brain injury recovery. We covered a wide variety of topics, including:
- Levels of care and typical expectations for survivors, care partners and clinician
- The knowing factor that clinicians use when determining discharge recommendations
- The role of insurance in the US
- Dismantling the subacute rehab stigma
- Including survivors in their care
- The value of the survivors’ lived (subjective) experiences
- How education helps increase client and care partner confidence
- Improving education content and delivery by healthcare providers
- Accepting one’s career learning path being a process of continued growth
- Collaborative care, assessments and interventions along the continuum of care
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Noggins And Neurons. As always, we want to hear from you! Email us at Nogginsandneurons@gmail.com
Show References
Hartford. W, Lear, S., & Nimmon, L. (2019). Stroke survivors’ experiences of team support along their recovery continuum. BMC Health Services Research, 19(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-019-4533-z Krishnan, S., Hay, C. C., Pappadis, M. R., Duetsch, A., & Reistetter, T. A. (2019). Stroke survivors’ perspectives on post-acute rehabilitation options, goals, satisfaction and transition to home. Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, 43(3), 160-167. https://doi.org/10.1097/NPT.0000000000000281
Lien, P., Deluzio, S., Adeyemo, J., Langton-Frost, N., Lavezza, A., Daley, K., Friedel, S., Pruski, A., French, M. A., & Raghavan, P. (2023). Development and implementation of a standard assessment battery across the continuum of care for patients after stroke. American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 102(2), 51-55. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000002142 Oyake, K., Suzuki, M., Otaka, Y., Momose, K., & Tanaka, S. (2020). Motivational strategies for stroke rehabilitation: A delphi study. American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, 101,1929-1936. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2020.06.077
THERAPY PRACTICE RESOURCES:
DEB’S RESOURCES
- Beyond the Basics: Motor Recovery Bootcamp (Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Guide)
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
- Occupational Therapy Intervention 2 Pack: Scavenger Hunt & Visual Trails for Adults
- Noggins And Neurons Podcast Creative Learning & Discussion Guide (Free for podcast members)
- Noggins And Neurons Podcast Instructor Guide (Free for podcast members)
PETE’S blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
-
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
DORO’S OT PRACTICE – The Neuro Hub
FOR FUN:
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit!
- Guest Request Form
- MUSIC: “Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com
✨Google Podcasts ✨iTunes ✨Spotify

Thursday Feb 16, 2023
All About The Brain Part 1
Thursday Feb 16, 2023
Thursday Feb 16, 2023
NogginsAndNeurons: The Website
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NEXT LEVEL GERIATRIC CARE SUMMIT: A Certification Training for Rehab Professionals
March 29-31
Deb’s Talk: UE Mirror Therapy for Stroke Survivors: What’s Behind the Reflection
March 29th at 10:20 – 12: 20 Pacific, 12:20-2:20 Central, 1:20-3:20 Eastern
Questions about the summit: info@pesi.com or (800) 844-8260
EPISODE TITLE: All About The Brain Part 1
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, Doro and Deb talk about the brain regions and their functions. We covered:
- Basic brain anatomy
- How much a human brain weighs
- The purpose of gyri & sulci
- Electrical connections, chemical reactions and brain function
- The cerebrum
- The lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal & occipital
- The cerebellum
- Importance of rest for recovery
- A little bit about aphasia
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Noggins And Neurons. As always, we want to hear from you! Email us at Nogginsandneurons@gmail.com
Show References
Barbas, H. (2016). Executive functions: The prefrontal cortex: Structure and anatomy. In Reference module in biomedical sciences. Retrieved from ScienceDirect Central Sulcus https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/central-sulcus
Borch, M.R., Brodie, S.M., Gray, W.A., Ionta, S., & Boyd, L.A. (2015). Understanding the role of the primary somatosensory cortex: Opportunities for rehabilitation. Neuropsychologia, 79(Pt B): 246-255. doi:10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2015.07.007
Kozial, L. F., Budding, D. E., & Chidekel, D. (2011). From movement to thought: Executive function, embodied cognition, and the cerebellum. Cerebellum|Review. Springer Science Business Media, LLC. DOI 10.1007/s12311-011-0321-y
Reichenbach, A., Thielscher, A., Peer, A., Bulthoff, H. H., Breschiani, J-P. (2014). A key region in the human parietal cortex for processing proprioceptive hand feedback during reaching movements. NeuroImage 84; 615-625. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2013.09.024
THERAPY PRACTICE RESOURCES:
DEB’S RESOURCES
- Beyond the Basics: Motor Recovery Bootcamp (Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Guide)
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
- Occupational Therapy Intervention 2 Pack: Scavenger Hunt & Visual Trails for Adults
- Noggins And Neurons Podcast Creative Learning & Discussion Guide (Free for podcast members)
PETE’S blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
DORO’S OT PRACTICE – The Neuro Hub
FOR FUN:
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit!
- Guest Request Form
- MUSIC: “Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com
✨Google Podcasts ✨iTunes ✨Spotify

Sunday Jan 29, 2023
Debrief Sampling: Remedial Vision with Suzanne Briggs, MOT, OTR/L
Sunday Jan 29, 2023
Sunday Jan 29, 2023
NogginsAndNeurons: The Website
Join the Noggins And Neurons Facebook Group
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EPISODE TITLE: Debrief Sampling: Remedial Vision with Suzanne Briggs
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, Doro and Deb give you a sampling of the full debrief we did on Remedial Vision with Suzanne Briggs Parts 1 & 2. We share our thoughts and ideas about what we learned, assessment tools, intervention ideas and more. The full debrief can be found in the Noggins And Neurons Membership site.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Noggins And Neurons. As always, we want to hear from you! Email us at Nogginsandneurons@gmail.com
THERAPY PRACTICE RESOURCES:
DEB’S RESOURCES
- Beyond the Basics: Motor Recovery Bootcamp (Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Guide)
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US addresses only)
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
- Occupational Therapy Intervention 2 Pack: Scavenger Hunt & Visual Trails for Adults
- Noggins And Neurons Podcast Creative Learning & Discussion Guide (Free for podcast members)
PETE’S blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
DORO’S OT PRACTICE – The Neuro Hub
FOR FUN:
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit!
MUSIC: “Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com
✨Google Podcasts ✨iTunes ✨Spotify

Monday Jan 16, 2023

Saturday Dec 31, 2022
Remedial Vision with Suzanne Briggs, MOT, OTR/L: Part 1
Saturday Dec 31, 2022
Saturday Dec 31, 2022
EPISODE TITLE: REMEDIAL VISION WITH SUZANNE: PART 1
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, Doro and Deb talk with Suzanne Briggs, MOT, OTR/L about remedial vision. We learned:
- Details about remedial vision
- Common visual skills/visual skill deficits, the role of cognition and vision hierarchy
- Screening and assessing for vision deficits, including the OculoMotor Assessment Tool (OMAT)
- Schools of thought regarding appropriate time to treat vision deficits post injury
- Use of prisms as intervention and compensatory strategies
- Value of professional collaborations in the client care experience
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Noggins And Neurons. As always, we want to hear from you! Email us at Nogginsandneurons@gmail.com
THERAPY PRACTICE RESOURCES:
DEB’S RESOURCES
- Beyond the Basics: Motor Recovery Bootcamp (Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy Guide)
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US addresses only)
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
- Occupational Therapy Intervention 2 Pack: Scavenger Hunt & Visual Trails for Adults
- Noggins And Neurons Podcast Creative Learning & Discussion Guide (Free for podcast members)
PETE’S blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
DORO’S OT PRACTICE – The Neuro Hub
FOR FUN:
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit!
MUSIC: “Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com
✨Google Podcasts ✨iTunes ✨Spotify

Friday Nov 11, 2022
Empowering Recovery with Survivor, Angela Wingfield, PTA
Friday Nov 11, 2022
Friday Nov 11, 2022
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JOIN THE NOGGINS & NEURONS PODCAST MEMBERSHIP
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EPISODE TITLE: Empowering Recovery with Survivor, Angela Wingfield, PTA
INTRO - ANGELA: So, I try, and what I hope I’ve done with stroke survivors and caregivers and this is what I want for medical professionals who are working with neurological patients to realize...you can...you can, over a period of time set them up to where they’re using neuroplasticity for their physical and mental health; they are...the caregiver is asking for assistance...accepting any assistance that comes along the way...if you’re teaching them this early on...they’re learning how to communicate with each other better, the stroke survivor and their care partners in their life, and you’re teaching them skills to where...I have a lot of survivors they’re still coming to the group seven, eight, ten years later but they’re doing it mainly so they can help other people...they want to help the new ones that are coming in
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified Empowering Recovery with Survivor, Angela Wingfield, PTA we talked about:
- Angela’s story – insight, depression, denial, cover-ups and wanting the old self
- Seeing through the symptoms to the person
- Beyond stroke education and connecting through emotion
- Moving from helpless to empowered
- The stroke belt - information about the stroke belt: Twenty Years of Progress Toward Understanding the Stroke Belt
As always, we want to hear your top takeaways! Email Doro & Deb at nogginsandneurons@gmail.com
Connect with Angela: awingfield1106@outlook.com
About Angela:
Stroke Support Group
https://www.methodisthealth.org/healthcare-services/neurology-neurosurgery/Strokes/support-groups/
LINKS TO ARTICLES, BOOKS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Deb's OT Resources:
- Deb's OT resources
- The OT’s Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US address only)
- Occupational Therapy Intervention 2 pack Scavenger Hunt + Visual Trails
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
Doro’s Website: The Neuro Hub
Pete’s blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit! Guest Request Form
MUSIC:
“Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/ScottHolmesMusic/scotthomesmusic.com

Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
A Care Partner’s Perspective with Bridget
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
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EPISODE TITLE: A Care Partners Perspective with Bridget
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified Bridget, a care partner to John, shares their story and expresses deep gratitude for the information in Pete’s book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery.” Bridget describes their experience, including fears, frustrations, obstacles and what they have done and continue to do to heal and thrive along their recovery journey.
As always, we want to hear your top takeaways!
Email us at Nogginsandneurons@gmail.com
LINKS TO ARTICLES, BOOKS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
PETE’S RESOURCES:
DEB’S OT RESOURCES:
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US addresses only)
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit!
MUSIC
Music by scottholmesmusic.com

Saturday Sep 24, 2022
Brain Computer Interface with Occupational Therapist Lauren Souders
Saturday Sep 24, 2022
Saturday Sep 24, 2022
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LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE SITE
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As always, we want to hear your top takeaways! Please email us at: NogginsAndNeurons@gmail.com.
If you enjoy listening, please share with others who you think would benefit. Also, consider donating to NOGGINS & NEURONS. You can do this is 2 ways:
- Donate to Noggins And Neurons and get an Allstar Pete Trading Card
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LINKS TO ARTICLES, BOOKS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
excerpt of the information that was submitted and reviewed by the FDA: "10 Summary of Clinical Performance Testing
The Neurolutions System has been evaluated in 40 subjects across three separate clinical studies (described below), all of which evaluated use of the Neurolutions system in chronic stroke survivors. All three studies were designed to determine the feasibility of recording electroencephalogram (EEG) signals from the affected and/or unaffected brain hemispheres, and to use the signals to control a computer to facilitate movement of a robotic hand orthosis (Handpiece). The results of the studies have been analyzed to determine if the Neurolutions System can be used to positively impact rehabilitation. These three studies were open-label studies whereby a literature meta-analysis assessing usual care as well as minimal clinically important difference (MCID) benchmarks were utilized for comparison of device effectiveness in lieu of randomized control data.
Results of testing demonstrate that following 12-weeks of use of the Neurolutions System, chronic stroke survivors showed increases in the mean change from their baseline scores on the primary outcome measure for the three respective studies. Ten of the total 40 subjects were assessed utilizing the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) as the primary outcome measure and the mean scores exceeded the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) of 5.7 points. In the two other studies, 30 of the total 40 subjects were assessed utilizing the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (UEFM) assessment as the primary outcome measure. For 66.7% of these 30 subjects, mean scores exceeded the MCID of 5.25 points. UEFM data were collected in 30 subjects from studies.
Results of Pooled Analysis: The results from 30 subjects across two studies may be validly pooled because the studies have the same primary endpoint and were conducted under nearly identical protocols (including inclusion/exclusion criteria and treatment regimen) and investigated the same version of the device in a very similar patient population (as evidenced by a comparison of the demographic data). Moreover, the primary endpoint, change in UEFM, was compared at the same timepoint, and the studies were weighted relative to their size. Based on the foregoing, a pooled analysis for UEFM, including all 30 subjects from the two studies, resulted in a mean change at 12-weeks of 7.77 points (SD of 5.041, two-sided, one-sample t-test, p-value < .0001), which exceeds the Minimal Clinically Important difference (MCID) of +5.25 points reported in the literature.
Across the two pooled clinical studies, 100% (30/30) of the subjects demonstrated improvement on the primary outcome measure, UEFM. A total of 66.7% of these subjects exceeded the minimal clinical important difference (MCID). The MCID is the change in a treatment outcome as measured by a trained clinician and regarded as important and clinically meaningful to health professionals and patients.[1],[2],[3],[4] The remaining 33.3% of the subjects, although demonstrating improvement, did not achieve the MCID.
For a cohort of 12 patients who participated in, durability data was assessed at 6-months following completion of their 12-week study visit. Durability assessment of the primary and secondary outcome measures revealed these subjects maintained their level of improved functional and motor performance. This demonstrates that the motor improvements achieved with the Neurolutions System therapy were maintained at 6-months following the last device use. However, as durability testing has not been completed beyond 6-months, persistence of benefits beyond 6-months post device use are currently unknown.
The results of these clinical studies support the feasibility of recording EEG signals from the affected and unaffected hemisphere and demonstrate that a computer can use these signals to control the motor output of a robotic handpiece (orthosis). Results of testing demonstrate that movement of the affected fingers, through the use of the Neurolutions System, can positively impact rehabilitation of the affected arm in individuals who suffer from chronic (≥ 6 months post-stroke) upper extremity hemiparesis resulting from stroke."
Website Items:
-
Link to FDA Approval Announcement: FDA Approval Announcement
-
Link to DeNovo Announcement: IpsiHand_DeNovo
Publications of Interest:
IpsiHand in the Media:
-
Podcast: Giving Stroke Patients a Hand (patient testimonial)
-
Life Changing Technology (Bloomberg Report Special on BCI (Minute Time Mark: 7):
-
Engaging the Mind and the Brain with Neurotechnology (YouTube, Dr. Eric Leuthart)
RESOURCES:
- Noggins And Neurons Resources: “Beyond the Basics: Motor Recovery Bootcamp” program. A complete guide for practitioners who want to understand and use modified Constraint Induced Therapy.
- Information about Pete’s blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
- Deb's OT Resources:
- Deb's OT resources
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US address only)
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
- NEW! Presentation: OT & Mirror Therapy: What’s Behind the Reflection? Learn about this fascinating intervention and start helping stroke survivors today!
- Doro's website - the neuro hub
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit! Guest Request Form
MUSIC: “Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com

Thursday Sep 01, 2022
PT Michelle: Survivor Success Story
Thursday Sep 01, 2022
Thursday Sep 01, 2022
MEMBERSHIP IS HERE!
Join us in the Founders Circle Membership A community for brain loving nerds like us who want more!
LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE SITE
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Join the Noggins And Neurons Facebook Group
If you enjoy listening, please share with others who you think would benefit. Also, consider donating to NOGGINS & NEURONS. You can do this is 2 ways:
- Donate to Noggins And Neurons and get an Allstar Pete Trading Card
- Using your PayPal app
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, "PT Michelle: Survivor Success Story," with Michelle Sawtelle, we talked about: Deb and Michelle chat about Michelle’s experience around having a stroke. She shares details around the evolution of the stroke, her recovery journey and returning to family and work life. Other topics that came up include:
- Inflammation, nutrition and overall health
- Wahl’s Protocol – one example of decreasing inflammation through food
- Who you are after stroke
- The gluteus maximus
As always, we want to hear your top takeaways!
LINKS TO ARTICLES, BOOKS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- Wahl’s Protocol (links provided for convenience)
- Michelle’s email: mmsawtelle@yahoo.com
- Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Stroke Special Interest Group
- Michelle’s Research
- Noggins And Neurons Resources: “Beyond the Basics: Motor Recovery Bootcamp” program. A complete guide for practitioners who want to understand and use modified Constraint Induced Therapy.
- Deb's OT Resources:
- Deb's OT resources
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US address only)
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
- NEW! Presentation: OT & Mirror Therapy: What’s Behind the Reflection? Learn about this fascinating intervention and start helping stroke survivors today!
- Doro's website - the neuro hub
- Information about Pete’s blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit! Guest Request Form
MUSIC: “Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com

Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
Another Noggin in the mix - Welcome Doro!
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
The title says it all! Noggins And Neurons has a plan and it feels so good...Thanks for sticking with us 😊
MEMBERSHIP IS HERE!
Join us in the Founders Circle Membership
A community for brain loving nerds like us who want more!
LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE SITE
✨Google Podcasts ✨iTunes ✨Spotify
Join the Noggins And Neurons Facebook Group
As always, we want to hear your top takeaways! Please email us at: NogginsAndNeurons@gmail.com.
If you enjoy listening, please share with others who you think would benefit. Also, consider donating to NOGGINS & NEURONS. You can do this is 2 ways:
- Donate to Noggins And Neurons and get an Allstar Pete Trading Card
- 2. Using your PayPal app
RESOURCES:
- Noggins And Neurons Resources: “Beyond the Basics: Motor Recovery Bootcamp” program. A complete guide for practitioners who want to understand and use modified Constraint Induced Therapy.
- Information about Pete’s blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
- Deb's OT Resources:
- Deb's OT resources
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US address only)
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
- NEW! Presentation: OT & Mirror Therapy: What’s Behind the Reflection? Learn about this fascinating intervention and start helping stroke survivors today!
- Doro's website - the neuro hub
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit! Guest Request Form
MUSIC: “Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com

Friday Jul 15, 2022
Strategies for Successful Medication Management: Part 2
Friday Jul 15, 2022
Friday Jul 15, 2022
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EPISODE TITLE: Strategies for Successful Medication Management: Part 2
OVERVIEW: Occupational Therapy provides the distinct value of being able to look at clients holistically to best collaborate with individuals on THEIR goals and needs, rather than viewing them solely as their diagnosis.
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified Medication Management: Part II, with Tracy Bentley-Root, Anna Kotansky, and Haleigh Bjorkman, we talked about:
- Utilizing the evaluation process to address physical, cognitive and visual (and so much more!) components of medication management from the START of client care.
- Analyzing the environment and context to determine possible barriers to medication management.
- Empowering and motivating individuals can reduce caregiver fatigue and increase an individual’s participation in medication management.
- Modifications for medication management, such as low- and high-tech assistive device examples
- How to tailor specific low- and high-tech assistive devices to best meet client needs (variations for each example)
SUMMATION STATEMENT: It is imperative to look at what an individual used to do, and now WANTS to be able to do, before suggesting modifications to their medication management routine. Taking a strength-based approach and providing suggestions that best fit an individual’s needs is key to ensure consistent medication adherence. There are various low-cost devices that can assist an individual in the areas they need it most, whether it be cognitive, physical, visual, or other deficits.
As always, we want to hear your top takeaways!
Please email us at: NogginsAndNeurons@gmail.com.
If you enjoy listening, please share with others who you think would benefit. Also, consider donating to NOGGINS & NEURONS. You can do this is 2 ways:
- Donate to Noggins And Neurons and get an Allstar Pete Trading Card
- Using your PayPal app
LINKS TO ARTICLES, BOOKS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Check out the free app, Mango Health at: https://www.mangohealth.com/
For a list of some examples of low- and high-tech assistive devices, check out: https://mainecite.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/MedicationManagPicts.pdf
PurrFect Opener: https://www.elderstore.com/purrfect-opener-the-easy-open-pill-extractor.aspx
For some examples of different pill boxes, check out: https://www.epill.com/organizer.html
Articles discussed during the podcast:
Siebert, C., Schwartz, J., & Kannenberg, K. (2017). Occupational therapy’s role in medication management. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71, 1–20. https://doi-org.dyc.idm.oclc.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.716S02
Appalasamy, J. R., Joseph, J. P., Ramaiah, S. S., Quek, K. F., Zain, A. Z. M., & Tha, K. K. (2020). Exploring stroke survivors’ self-efficacy in understanding and taking medication and determining associated factors: a cross-sectional study in a neurology clinic in Malaysia. Patient Preference and Adherence, 1463c. https://doi-org.dyc.idm.oclc.org/10.2147/PPA.S215271
Polenick, C. A., Stanz, S. D., Leggett, A. N., Maust, D. T., Hodgson, N. A., & Kales, H. C. (2020). Stressors and resources related to medication management: Associations with spousal caregivers’ role overload. Gerontologist, 60(1), 165–173. https://doi-org.dyc.idm.oclc.org/10.1093/geront/gny130
Appalasamy, J. R., Tha, K. K., Quek, K. F., Ramaiah, S. S., Joseph, J. P., & Md Zain, A. Z. (2018). The effectiveness of culturally tailored video narratives on medication understanding and use self-efficacy among stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial study protocol. Medicine, 97(22), e10876. https://doi-org.dyc.idm.oclc.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000010876
Kollerup, M. G., Curtis, T., & Schantz Laursen, B. (2018). Visiting nurses’ posthospital medication management in home health care: An ethnographic study. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 32(1), 222–232. https://doi-org.dyc.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/scs.12451
Connect with Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-kotansky-7005b11a6/
Connect with Haleigh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleighbjorkman/
RESOURCES:
Deb's OT Resources:
- Deb's OT resources
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US address only)
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
Pete's Resources:
- Information about Pete’s blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit! Guest Request Form
MUSIC:
“Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com

Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
Strategies for Successful Medication Management: Part 1
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
Tuesday Jun 21, 2022
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EPISODE TITLE: Medication Management Part 1
OVERVIEW:
Haleigh: “I think it is important too, to see what patients actually value doing within medication management and then starting from there.” This episode is a conversation between two OTRs and two soon-to-be new grad OTs. The topic of conversation is about medication management and how to adapt this occupation for patients.
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Medication Management Part 1 with Tracy Bentley Root, Haleigh Bjorkman, and Anna Kotansky, we talked about:
- What is Medication Management?
- What are common burdens related to medication management?
- How are caregivers affected by the burdens of medication management?
- What is Occupational Therapy’s role in medication management?
Summation statement:
The job of medication management can be extremely stressful for both the patient and the caregivers. Health professionals, such as nurses and occupational therapists, have an important role in the health care system to assist caregivers with the many responsibilities within medication management. In this episode, we acknowledge the challenges of medication management and discuss how occupational therapy practitioners have such an important role in reducing the stress for patients and caregivers. Tune into the second part of this podcast with Tracy, Haleigh, and Anna to learn more about techniques and assistive technology devices that can assist with medication management.
LINKS TO ARTICLES, BOOKS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Articles discussed during the podcast:
Siebert, C., Schwartz, J., & Kannenberg, K. (2017). Occupational therapy’s role in medication management. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71, 1–20. https://doi-org.dyc.idm.oclc.org/10.5014/ajot.2017.716S02
Appalasamy, J. R., Joseph, J. P., Ramaiah, S. S., Quek, K. F., Zain, A. Z. M., & Tha, K. K. (2020). Exploring stroke survivors’ self-efficacy in understanding and taking medication and determining associated factors: a cross-sectional study in a neurology clinic in Malaysia. Patient Preference and Adherence, 1463c. https://doi-org.dyc.idm.oclc.org/10.2147/PPA.S215271
Polenick, C. A., Stanz, S. D., Leggett, A. N., Maust, D. T., Hodgson, N. A., & Kales, H. C. (2020). Stressors and resources related to medication management: Associations with spousal caregivers’ role overload. Gerontologist, 60(1), 165–173. https://doi-org.dyc.idm.oclc.org/10.1093/geront/gny130
Appalasamy, J. R., Tha, K. K., Quek, K. F., Ramaiah, S. S., Joseph, J. P., & Md Zain, A. Z. (2018). The effectiveness of culturally tailored video narratives on medication understanding and use self-efficacy among stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial study protocol. Medicine, 97(22), e10876. https://doi-org.dyc.idm.oclc.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000010876
Kollerup, M. G., Curtis, T., & Schantz Laursen, B. (2018). Visiting nurses’ posthospital medication management in home health care: An ethnographic study. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 32(1), 222–232. https://doi-org.dyc.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/scs.12451
Connect with Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-kotansky-7005b11a6/
Connect with Haleigh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleighbjorkman/
As always, we want to hear from you! Questions and Comments about the podcast: NogginsAndNeurons@gmail.com
If you enjoy listening, please share with others who you think would benefit. Also, consider donating to NOGGINS & NEURONS. You can do this is 2 ways:
- Donate to Noggins And Neurons and get an Allstar Pete Trading Card
- Using your PayPal app
RESOURCES:
- Information about Pete’s blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
Deb's OT Resources:
- Deb's OT resources
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US address only)
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit! Guest Request Form
MUSIC:
“Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com

Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
Beyond Tired: Post Stroke Fatigue Part 2
Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
OVERVIEW
Alyssa: Finding that purpose, that meaning as to why… And I think once together we figure out why it’s almost motivation to better that aspect…
Tracy: So many things have changed now that they’ve had their neurological event.. Meet the new routine as opposed to going back the old way because the old way isn’t working any longer.. Increasing their awareness of what their body needs now could be very beneficial…
Debra: And their [caregivers] lives are different now too… we can’t just keep adding things onto a caregiver but making something more meaningful.. And so when is everyone functioning their best
Sarah: The whole chemical makeup of the brain is changing constantly.. What is actually happening and there are a few different reasons why post stroke fatigue is happening…
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified: Post-Stroke Fatigue, with occupational therapist and educator Tracy Bentley-Root, and occupational therapy students Alyssa Brockmann and Sarah Battaglia, we talked about:
- Continuation of journaling to determine patterns contributing to fatigue. Bringing a diary to an occupational therapist or a practitioner to identify triggers and develop a treatment plan to compensate or design a body map to enhance functioning. Introduce new routines, as opposed to old routines as after a neurological event, the past remains in the past and a new beginning is present. Discussion on caregiver responsibility and adapting to new roles and routines. Energy conservation and other interventions are discussed throughout the podcast to target survivors, caregivers, practitioners, researchers, and students.
- Fatigue is subjective and perceivable, and the effort used to produce movement and involuntary behaviors is seemingly more difficult due to the high threshold of neuron excitability. Sarah addresses the why and how related to post-stroke fatigue from a neurological level and elaborates on how the brain is constantly changing before, during and after a stroke takes place. Research surrounding the excitability of neurons has been emerging and states after a stroke the neurons within the brain have to work much harder to fire. This not only is hard work and utilizes a high amount of energy for the body, but the brain also is working double time to process the receiving input to produce movement, thoughts, and unconscious bodily functions.
Summary: The aspect of bringing awareness to how one is feeling and collaboratively developing a treatment plan that includes the survivor and caregiver can be pertinent to recovery. Understanding the why and how from a neurological level may assist in awareness.
LINKS TO ARTICLES, BOOKS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Factors associated with post-stroke depression and fatigue: lesion location and coping styles
Managing post-stroke fatigue: A qualitative study to explore multifaceted clinical perspectives
Occupational Therapy - Energy Conservation Booklet Patient Information Leaflet
Post-stroke fatigue: a deficit in corticomotor excitability?
Post-stroke fatigue: a review on prevalence, correlates, measurement, and management
Social Support as a Predictor of Community Participation After Stroke
As always, we want to hear your top takeaways!
Questions and Comments about the podcast: NogginsAndNeurons@gmail.com
DONATE TO NOGGINS & NEURONS:
Donate to Noggins And Neurons and get an Allstar Pete Trading Card
Using your PayPal app:
RESOURCES:
- Information about Pete’s blog and book, “Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery” 3rd edition:
- Blog: blogspot.com
- Book: Stronger After Stroke, 3rd edition
Deb's OT Resources:
- Deb's OT resources
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US address only)
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit! Guest Request Form
✨Google Podcasts ✨iTunes ✨Spotify
MUSIC:
“Soft Inspiration” by Scott Holmes/Scott Holmes Music/scottholmesmusic.com

Tuesday May 17, 2022
Beyond Tired: Post Stroke Fatigue Part 1
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Tuesday May 17, 2022
OVERVIEW:
Tracy: My understanding is that not a lot of people understand post-stroke fatigue. Are we mislabeling it? Are we saying it’s more of a cognitive problem? Are we saying it’s more of a muscle strength problem? I’m just wondering if we’re mislabeling it…especially when we’re talking about it down the road. I’m really hung up on these individuals who are functioning well…so these are the individuals who no longer qualify for home care services, and have really graduated beyond outpatient, but they’re still not able to get back to their role as an employee…back to those desired occupations they want to get to…because of the post-stroke fatigue.
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified: Post-Stroke Fatigue, with occupational therapist and educator Tracy Bentley-Root, and occupational therapy students Alyssa Brockmann and Sarah Battaglia, we talked about:
- Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) - General symptoms, occupational impacts, timeline, recovery process, and intervention ideas for post-stroke fatigue. Alyssa and Sarah share their experiences with post-stroke fatigue through different lenses. Alyssa explains her fieldwork from an acute care standpoint, whereas Sarah shares her experience with the population through an outpatient or chronic lens. Alyssa discovered that she witnessed post-stroke fatigue on more of a cognitive level in the early stages of stroke recovery. Post-stroke fatigue in the chronic stages after stroke (3-6 months or longer) has a different effect on the individual.
- PSF is extremely difficult to research. The definition of post-stroke fatigue also varies through the timespan of recovery. It was found that up to 50% of stroke patients report post-stroke fatigue as their worst symptom. Alyssa reports her definition of PSF, statistics of the phenomenon, and prevalence rates of the phenomenon that were found in the literature. Debra notes how common and debilitating PSF can be. There are few evaluation methods specific to stroke, they are broad evaluation methods. PSF is dependent on a number of factors before and after the injury occurs. It affects a variety of areas in your brain and translates into how the patient acts following the incident.
- Real experiences of patients and their concerns entering the workforce after stroke and what can be done to support fatigue in their roles. Alyssa explores the need for healthcare practitioners to be providing patients and caregivers with hard copies of resources prior to discharge from acute care to be referenced throughout their recovery journey. Tracy and Sarah support Alyssa’s point in saying maybe healthcare practitioners need to use unified language to describe post stroke fatigue to reduce the unknown factors, and related post stroke fatigue in the group of cognitive deficits.
- Interventions including journaling were found to be effective in literature examining that caregiver and patient journaling can be brought to occupational therapists to determine patterns. Such patterns can be used to design individualized care plans and reduce fatigue based on the performance patterns present. Debra then explores educating fatigue management from sleep, exercise, and nutrition from a group process standpoint to enhance the social support of fatigue. Sarah further supports this idea and describes the central adjustment to stroke by re-establishing a self identity through confidence, occupational management, and seizing control. Energy conservation, routine planning, pacing, alternating physical and mental activities, gradual grading of exercise, meditation and more are touched on to manage fatigue.
Stroke manifests in various ways that are individualized to each patient and caregiver. It is important to note that stroke recovery is an adjustable and continually changing journey where each day will present differently. A decrease in performance does not mean patient regression, rather an occupational performance area strengthened, leaving another area open for improvement. Being aware of one’s symptoms, including fatigue, as well as understanding why fatigue manifests post-stroke is important to then advocate on behalf of yourself to health care practitioners for adequate resources and sports needed to move forward in one’s re-establishment of routine, identity and occupational performance.
As always, we want to hear your top takeaways!
LINKS TO ARTICLES, BOOKS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Factors associated with post-stroke depression and fatigue: lesion location and coping styles
Managing post-stroke fatigue: A qualitative study to explore multifaceted clinical perspectives
Occupational Therapy - Energy Conservation Booklet Patient Information Leaflet
Post-stroke fatigue: a deficit in corticomotor excitability?
Post-stroke fatigue: a review on prevalence, correlates, measurement, and management
Social Support as a Predictor of Community Participation After Stroke
As always, we want to hear your top takeaways!
Questions and Comments about the podcast: NogginsAndNeurons@gmail.com
Donate to The Noggins And Neurons Podcast using your PayPal app:
Donate to Noggins And Neurons and get an Allstar Pete Trading Card
PETE’S RESOURCES:
DEB’S OT RESOURCES:
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US addresses only)
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit!
✨Google Podcasts ✨iTunes ✨Spotify
MUSIC
Music by scottholmesmusic.com

Wednesday May 04, 2022
Perspectives on Neuroplasticity: Part 2
Wednesday May 04, 2022
Wednesday May 04, 2022
EPISODE TITLE: Perspectives on Neuroplasticity Part 2
INTRO: This episode is the continued conversation between two OTRs and two soon-to-be new grad OTs. During this episode we will wrap up virtual reality and move into other methods of traditional and non-traditional therapy with a focus on safety and interprofessional communication. The conversation rounds out with caretaker, friends, and family roles and the importance of support in rehabilitation and neuroplasticity.
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified Perspectives on Neuroplasticity Part 2, with Tracy Bentley Root, Morgan Wellenzohn, and Sarah DiMayo we talked about:
- Virtual reality and the contraindications associated
- Mirror therapy and what are appropriate activities
- Action observation opportunities in the hospital with caretakers
- Weightbearing as a rehabilitation technique and safety
- Constraint Induced Movement Therapy
- Including caregivers/friends/colleagues in the rehabilitation process
- Equipment used in clinic and safety
As was stated in part 1 of this podcast “practice makes progress” and practice can come in many forms of therapy. They may be traditional such as mirror therapy and constraint induced movement therapy or non-traditional such as action observations with a family member. No matter what, recovery to desired rolls is possible, with careful consideration from healthcare providers and unique ways friends and coworkers can get involved. A great student take-away is to not underestimate the amount of knowledge we bring to our level II fieldwork sites and supervisors. Therapy is a collaborative process that requires and is enhanced by contributions from various perspectives.
As always, we want to hear your top takeaways!
LINKS TO ARTICLES, BOOKS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Park, J., Chang, M., Kim, K., Kim, K. (2015). The effect of mirror therapy on upper-extremity function and activities of daily living in stroke patients. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27(6), 1681-1683. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.27.1681
Related Noggins And Neurons podcast episodes:
- Join the Noggins And Neurons Facebook group
- Donate to The Noggins And Neurons Podcast using your PayPal app:
Donate to Noggins And Neurons and get an Allstar Pete Trading Card
PETE’S RESOURCES:
DEB’S OT RESOURCES:
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US address only)
- Occupational Therapy Intervention: Scavenger Hunt Visual Scanning for Adults
REQUEST TO BE A GUEST ON NOGGINS & NEURONS. If you’re passionate about stroke recovery and have information or a story you believe will help others, we’d love help you share it on the show. Complete the guest request form below and let’s see if we’re a good fit!
MUSIC
Music by scottholmesmusic.com

Friday Apr 22, 2022
Perspectives on Neuroplasticity: Part 1
Friday Apr 22, 2022
Friday Apr 22, 2022
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EPISODE TITLE: Perspectives on Neuroplasticity Part 1
INTRO: This episode is a conversation between two OTRs and two soon-to-be new grad OTs. The topic of conversation is neuroplasticity, but this discussion dives deep into more specific topics on stroke rehabilitation.
EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of NOGGINS & NEURONS: Brain Injury Recovery Simplified, Perspectives on Neuroplasticity Part 1 with Tracy Bentley Root, Morgan Wellenzohn, and Sarah DiMayo, we talked about:
- What is neuroplasticity?
- What does the phrase “practice makes progress” mean to each of us?
- What happens in the brain when changes occur? Building bridges!!
- Visual feedback and imagery
Neuroplasticity is a never ending phenomenon that has many avenues to explore. In a therapeutic mindset, one of the most important lessons to learn when recovering from a stroke is that practice makes progress! There are so many different ways to treat an injury resulting from a stroke including different therapeutic techniques and evidence-based practice. Tune into the second part of this podcast with Tracy, Sarah, and Morgan to learn about more evidence-based practice and techniques that have been experienced and researched.
LINKS TO ARTICLES, BOOKS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION WE TALKED ABOUT:
Khan, F., Amatya, B., Galea, M.P., Gonzenbach, R., Kesselring, J. (2016). Neurorehabilitation: Applied neuroplasticity. Journal of Neurology. 1-13. Doi: 10.1007/s00415-016-8307-9.
Mobile Arm Supports: Evidence-based benefits and criteria for use
Reference to previous Noggins And Neurons episodes:
- Questions and Comments about the podcast:
- Donate to The Noggins And Neurons Podcast using your PayPal app:
Donate to Noggins And Neurons and get an Allstar Pete Trading Card
LINKS TO:
- Pete's book
- Pete's blog
- Deb's OT resources
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Tri-Fold Mirror (US address only)
MUSIC
Music by scottholmesmusic.com

Friday Apr 01, 2022
Remembering Pete Part 2: Practice Gems with Doro & Lynette
Friday Apr 01, 2022
Friday Apr 01, 2022
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In this episode, I chat with Doro & Lynette from the Neuro Hub. Before he left, Pete told me he wanted them to step in where he left off…for sure those are some pretty big shoes to fill. Our conversation is all over the place, like old friends sitting around the table reminiscing about a loved friend and colleague. We discussed neuro gems we learned from Pete and implications for practice, carrying on his legacy and some of our fears. We had moments of laughter and somber pauses as well. We wound the conversation down with wisdom, trial and error and thinking outside the box…all within clinical reasoning, of course. Topics that came up:
- Lynette as a fan girl & why Pete was such a great teacher
- How Neuro Hub puts learning into practice
- Noggins And Neurons, kindred spirits and instant connections
- Brainstorming around honoring Pete’s legacy and bringing all the cool people together
- Don’t make the perfect the enemy of the good
- Pete as the silent observer who listened…he got it! Learning to listen with intent
- What would Pete say about trying new things…
- Use it and loose it to reduce spasticity
As always, we want to hear your top takeaways!
LINKS TO ARTICLES, BOOKS AND OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- Pete’s blog, book, Stronger After Stroke, and talks.
- Questions and Comments about the podcast:
- Debra's Creative Concepts in Occupational Therapy:
- The OT's Guide to Mirror Therapy
- Contact The Neuro Hub, Altamonte, FL
MUSIC “Soft Inspiration“ by Scott Holmes/ Scott Holmes Music