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

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

Episode 35. Part 1 of 2: What Every Woman Needs to Know About Stroke

Stroke doesn't impact men and women in the same way. Understanding the difference matters in terms of risks, symptoms and prevention strategies In Part 1 of this two-part series, Rabia G. Buridi, M.D., a vascular neurologist with Norton Neuroscience Institute, talks with host Rosa Hart, BSN, R.N., SCRN, to break down what women need to know about stroke and empower them to act quickly when stroke strikes.

In this episode, you will also learn:

• Why stroke risk isn't the same for men and women.
• How life events, such as pregnancy or migraines, can impact long-term brain health.
• What "atypical" stroke symptoms look like in women — and why recognizing them early can save lives.
• Leading causes of stroke in women and how they are different from the causes for men.
• Stroke presentation and diagnosis in women, including atypical symptoms that are often missed and tips for recognizing stroke early.

About Dr. Buridi:

Dr. Buridi earned her medical degree from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, completed her neurology residency at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Concord, New Hampshire, and completed a vascular neurology fellowship at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois. Her philosophy centers on education, treatment and prevention — helping patients not just survive but thrive. Born and raised in Louisville, Dr. Buridi balances her career with family life and a love for experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

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 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: Oct. 13, 2025