Stroke

Consequences of Stroke

 

The consequences of stroke can be devastating for individuals, resulting in a wide-range of neurologic deficits, from paralysis and perceptual dysfunction, to cognitive impairment and speech deficits. These deficits often affect a person’s ability to walk and perform activities of daily living. Dr. Tabby works with patients following acute rehabilitation to address residual deficits.

 

Patients may need assistance with acquiring orthotics, assistive walking devices or wheelchairs, and coordinating care for other rehabilitation services. Dr. Tabby collaborates with neurologists, physical, occupational, speech and cognitive therapists as part of the ongoing care plan for these patients.

 

Dr. Tabby’s Approach to Care and Experience with Stroke Patients

 

Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists like Dr. Tabby have extensive training in a number of disciplines including neurology, rheumatology and the musculoskeletal system which provides them unique knowledge to address issues patients may be facing like stroke that are affecting their daily functioning. Dr. Tabby has experience working with patients affected by stroke and previously served as the Director of the Stroke Rehabilitation Service at Moss Rehabilitation Hospital.

 

Dr. Tabby embodies the “art of medicine” philosophy, forging strong relationships with her patients and their families built on trust and mutual respect, and exercises sound scientific reasoning in her rigorous diagnostic work-ups. She will take a careful medical history and perform a thorough examination to determine any neurologic deficits present. Further imaging or tests may be ordered or requested from other physicians, to help develop the most appropriate treatment plan.

 

The goal of treatment following stroke from a physical medicine and rehabilitation perspective is to use physical and occupational therapeutic tailored exercises and other modalities such as bracing to provide as much functional support as possible.

 

Easy booking and appointment availability are benefits of working with Dr. Tabby. She encourages patients to visit her in the office, but for patients with extreme mobility limits, she makes home visits or virtual appointments through HealthTap. Feel free to inquire when speaking with the office staff about all of the available options.

 

 

Multidisciplinary Approach to Treatment

 

Dr. Tabby will provide a personalized treatment plan based on the individual needs and noted deficits of the patient. Dr. Tabby is an advocate of vitamins, nutrition and exercise as part of a healthy self-care routine. Specific therapeutic exercises will likely be demonstrated and “prescribed” to aid in the healing process. Education will also be provided to patients and their family members on stroke rehabilitation.

 

Dr. Tabby employs a nonnarcotic treatment method rooted in the judicious use of medications, therefore treatments are more likely to center around “hands on” methods such as topical pain relief, massage and active participation of the patient to complete recommended therapeutic exercises. Bracing (orthotics), walking assistive devices and customized wheelchairs may be employed in combination with any of the above methods to provide for support and prevent falls when walking. Dr. Tabby works to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to stroke with collaboration between neurologists, speech therapists, physical therapists and other providers, supporting and encouraging patients and their families throughout the process.