Official Review: The Invisible Stroke by Veronica Woods

[InStoree]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Invisible Stroke" by Veronica Woods.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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“Stroke is a serious, overwhelming, and life-changing event” that can dramatically alter your personal and professional life. In her book, Veronica Woods gives the readers a personal account of how this disease made her life painful and stressful. Her career as a general practitioner (GP) at the National Health Service for the past 22 years was about to change, and there was nothing much she could do to alter the situation. The stroke came without warning and mercilessly shifted her status from doctor to patient. The Invisible Stroke highlights how this medical condition can have a major impact on every aspect of a person’s being.

Four months after experiencing a brain hemorrhage, the MRI scans reveal yet another shocking finding about Veronica’s neurological health. The frontal and parietal regions of her brain were slowly shutting down due to the ischemic changes caused by the stroke. And since the frontal lobe is the center of cognition, damage to this area can lead to impulsive traits that may manifest as criminal behavior. She is forced to go through the excruciating pain of brain surgery and the risks that come with it. A long recovery process and changes in her personality await her. Moreover, she is troubled by thoughts about the loss of her career and marriage.

Reading about the author’s struggles, I could better understand how difficult it is for stroke survivors to cope with social norms after the tormenting ordeal. Woods’s writing skillfully expresses the behavior changes and the life modifications required that are psychologically draining for both patient and family. This non-fiction book gave me the chance to vicariously experience her personal story and also to learn some basic information about strokes. Post-stroke patients often suffer from several limitations, so the home has to be redesigned to suit the victim’s recovery process. For instance, smart devices may be installed in certain sections of the house to monitor personal safety. The author has emphasized various treatment solutions, such as regular exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other psychological treatments that can help stroke patients recover faster.

I would recommend this read to stroke survivors, caregivers, and general health practitioners. Friends and family members of stroke victims can gain a better understanding of their loved one’s experience, thus enabling them to be in a better position to help.

There were only two minor aspects that I liked least. The “Racism in Psychiatry” chapter seemed underdeveloped and somewhat out of place. Secondly, due to the lack of a signature and the mixed point of view from third to the first person, I couldn’t quite discern who wrote the foreword. However, I consider that these slight hiccups were not substantial enough issues to affect the book’s perfect score.

The editing seemed flawless as I did not notice any errors. Plus, co-author Stephen Waititu Kamau’s deft organizational skills made this book extremely easy to read. As such, I am giving The Invisible Stroke 4 out of 4-stars for its informative material and inspiring story.

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The Invisible Stroke
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[Cynthia_Oluchi]

This review gives me the feeling that the author did go through intense pain and difficulty during the time she was ill. I feel bad for all stroke victims and I hope this book will be of great help to them. Thanks for reviewing!

[khaulah]

Most people have a vague idea about stroke and what it entails. I always concentrated on what the disease was about and not on how life is for the person after suffering it. You did a great job reviewing the book. Thank you for your review!

[Kanda_theGreat]

Does the author's linguistic techniques evoke empathy like your review did? If yes, then I'll read this book.
Great review!

[Sushan Ekanayake]

Stroke is a devastating incident for anyone who goes through it as well as for the family members. Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[Adina Lutinger]

This seems like an amazing book that gives us better insight and understanding of stroke survivors. As a health practitioner, I'm even more intrested to read this book. Thanks for the great review!

[InStoree]

This review gives me the feeling that the author did go through intense pain and difficulty during the time she was ill. I feel bad for all stroke victims and I hope this book will be of great help to them. Thanks for reviewing!

Yes, the author shares her struggles with the stroke's outcome. Thanks for your sympathetic comment, Cynthia!

[InStoree]

Most people have a vague idea about stroke and what it entails. I always concentrated on what the disease was about and not on how life is for the person after suffering it. You did a great job reviewing the book. Thank you for your review!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, khaulah! My view was exactly the reverse of yours - I witness the consequence of a stroke, but I knew close to nothing regarding what this attack involved and how it functions.

[InStoree]

Does the author's linguistic techniques evoke empathy like your review did? If yes, then I'll read this book.
Great review!

Thank you, Kanda! I would say is split between the warmth of her personal experience and the medical information about stroke with professional influences.

[InStoree]

Stroke is a devastating incident for anyone who goes through it as well as for the family members. Thanks for sharing your thoughts

Thanks for taking the time to read my review, Sushan!

[InStoree]

This seems like an amazing book that gives us better insight and understanding of stroke survivors. As a health practitioner, I'm even more intrested to read this book. Thanks for the great review!

Thank you for your kind words, SomeoneInTheWorld! If you have a chance to read it, please do come back and share your thoughts. I would love to hear a health practitioner's opinion.

[praise+anyi]

One of my relatives was a victim of stroke. Most times we find it hard to know how exactly we could help alleviate the pain he went through, therefore I can totally relate with the author. It's a good thing that she thought it wise to tell us her own side of the story and how she survived.

[InStoree]

One of my relatives was a victim of a stroke. Most times we find it hard to know how exactly we could help alleviate the pain he went through, therefore I can totally relate with the author. It's a good thing that she thought it wise to tell us her own side of the story and how she survived.

I know what you mean as I also had a member family who suffered a stroke, and yes, if I knew what I know now most probably the recovery process would have been easier.

[Connie Otwani]

Stroke is truly invisible thus unplanned for. The recovery heavily impacts both the patient and the caregiver/family. I like that the book gives more insight on the recovery process.

Great review!

[Letora]

I might give this book a try. While I haven't experienced this with anyone close to me, I still think it is a good resource. Thank you for your review.