Stroke Part 1: Overview & Functional Impairment | OT Miri

May is National Stroke awareness month and this year, it hits me harder as I remember and grieve the loss of my friend Peter who suffered from a stroke. In remembering him, and in his honor, I decided to do a series on stroke and share as much knowledge as I can to shed light on what is one of the leading causes of death and long term disability. To that end, this video is different than my usual short, light hearted video. It’s long, more dense and packed with information. I hope this video inspires, equips and empowers you as you continue to bring light and comfort to those whose lives have been affected by a stroke. Rest in Peace, Peter.
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Stroke Study Notes: www.otmiri.com/stroke-part-1-...
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
If you are considering working in the neuro setting, take a look through the list of stroke-related courses offered through MedBridge. With my Promo Code “OTmiri” you can get your MedBridge subscription for $225/year, which is the best discount rate available to individual subscribers. These links are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, I’ll receive a small commission. I only recommend resources and products that I truly love, use and share with friends and colleagues and every purchase made supports the continued creation of free content for our community.
-Evidence-Based Interventions for Severe Impairments in the Neurological Upper Extremity: www.medbridgeeducation.com/ot...
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TedTalk: My Stroke of Insight:
www.ted.com/talks/jill_bolte_...
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CERTIFIED NEURO SPECIALIST: I had the pleasure and honor of becoming a Certified Neuro Specialist through Dr. Michael Ang, who is not only the program instructor for the Certified Neuro Specialist Institute, but also my former instructor at the University of Southern California. The CNS course was such a special experience that brought to life the meaning of what it means to be a therapist working with patients with stroke. If you'd like more information, here's the link: www.neurospecialist.org/certi...
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Support OT Miri: support.otmiri.com/
OT Miri Instagram: / ot_miri
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OT Miri KZbin Disclaimer
All information provided on the OT Miri KZbin channel, including information on diseases and treatments, are strictly for general informational and educational purposes only and must never be considered a substitute for medical advice provided by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
NBCOT® is a registered trademark owned by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. OT Miri is not affiliated with or endorsed by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. The contents and opinions in this video represent my own personal views, priorities and study strategies and it is not intended to reflect, indicate or suggest the nature or content of the actual NBCOT exam and should not be taken as such.
While I have endeavored to ensure all information is accurate, I do not make warranty or guarantees with respect to the accuracy, applicability or completeness of the video content. Under no circumstances will OT Miri be responsible or liable in any way for any content, including but not limited to any errors or omissions in the content or for any direct, indirect incidental or punitive damages arising out of access to or use of any content available on the OT Miri KZbin channel. Additionally, this information may or may not be current as of the date of your access. Use of the information presented here is voluntary and strictly at your own risk. Reliance on the content provided on this channel should only be undertaken after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, efficacy and timeliness.
Every effort is made to strictly adhere to the NBCOT Code of Conduct and as such, any questions or comments that violate the NBCOT Code of Conduct will not be approved. Please help support, sustain and protect our community by adhering strictly to the NBCOT Code of Conduct and not sharing or exchanging any content related to the questions on the exam.

[@lisashoupe2443]

Just finished watching this video and I'm honestly blown away. Again. I can tell you put a lot of time and thought into making this video and it shows. You make learning so effortless and enjoyable. Thank you and pleeeease keep posting! We missed you!!

[@MiriLee]

You always know how to melt my heart with your words, Lisa. I missed you too. And yes, I did put a lot of thought and heart into this video with the hopes that it would making learning this content not only easier, but also more meaningful. I am looking forward to creating more content and am so grateful that you're still here with your love and support. You made my day my friend...

[@taylorgilliland8747]

Just found out today I PASSED my COTA exam!!!! Thank you so much for all of your hard work you put into your videos!! You helped me succeed!! I appreciate everything you do!! 🙋🏼‍♀️😊😊

[@MiriLee]

Congratulations, Taylor! I'm late to respond to your message, but I wanted to let you know that I'm soo happy for you and thankful you came back to share this incredible news. Please stay in touch!

[@marioc.1768]

Thank you and much appreciated as always, Miri. Thank you and rest peacefully Peter!

[@tobiperham5114]

Miri, thank you for taking the time and effort to make this video. I wanted to tell you your friends spirit / soul absolutely heard you when you spoke to him! We make connections for a reason… our souls connect! I believe he still hears you❤

[@MiriLee]

What a sweet and encouraging message, Tobi. Thank you for your heartfelt words and support.

[@hulaharvest1]

I'm so sorry for your loss Miri. Thank you for sharing this story. It's a great reminder.

[@MiriLee]

Thank you so much.

[@danellaclaryceruiz7183]

thank u for being back!!

[@ErnestoRenteria7]

Hello Miri, I just want to say thank you for posting these videos. They have been really helpful and an easy way to understand some key concepts for my upcoming OTR board exam. I’ve watched all of them, keep up the great work!

[@MiriLee]

I'm so happy to hear that, Ernesto! The weeks and days leading up to the exam can be grueling, but I hope you'll pace yourself and give yourself plenty of time to rest and reflect on everything you have already accomplished. You are unstoppable!

[@sheilashac6115]

So grateful for you Miri, I appreciate you authenticity and sharing your heart with us!

[@MiriLee]

Thank you for being here, Sheila!

[@shelbz7981]

You have been such a help over the years! welcome back!

[@MiriLee]

Thanks for being here! ❤️❤️

[@leahdesai9967]

I can't thank you enough. This was incredibly helpful. And thank you for sharing your personal story.

[@MiriLee]

oh that's so wonderful to hear Leah! I'm glad you enjoyed this video and found it helpful. I hope you continue to feel supported here as we share our journey together.

[@thekozeyOT]

Welcome Back!!

[@MiriLee]

That's wonderful to hear! I hope you continue to feel supported here with me as you go through your OT journey!

[@shelbydavis5860]

The queen is back!!!! So thankful for you! You are such a wonderful educator for our field!

[@MiriLee]

Hi Shelby! Thank you for your love and support! I'm grateful for our community and truly enjoy sharing this journey together. So thank you for being here!

[@awong160]

Hey Miri! Hope you're having a great day! Thank you for the video!

[@MiriLee]

Hi! Thank you for being here! I hope you have a beautiful and wonderful day as well.

[@das1992]

Just came across your video after 2-3 years and glad to see you are back. You are one of the reasons I passed my license exam so thank you and keep up the good work

[@MiriLee]

Thank you for your encouragement. I took a break from creating content for a while after having kids, but my heart never left our community here. ♥️

[@ebrark.5555]

Hello, Welcome back! Really nice to see you again.

[@MiriLee]

Awww thank you for still being here! It’s really great to connect with you and our community again. I’ve missed you guys! ❤️❤️

[@stephanie9228]

Thank you so much for taken the time to do this for us, this really helps a whole lot, you just don't know what you mean to the OT community. Thank you again I can't wait to to get to the finish line. RIP to your Friend, my grandfather is my reason (SIP)

[@MiriLee]

I'm so happy to hear this was helpful to you, Stephanie. Love and light to you and your family.

[@jenniferb.7239]

Thank you for all the videos you have made! Your videos have helped me remember concepts and understand content. This was a beautiful dedication to your friend.

[@MiriLee]

Thank you, Jennifer. I hope he's smiling down from heaven.

[@aaronf4275]

Welcome back. Years back your videos greatly helped me in school! 🤝 Such a great channel 👍

[@MiriLee]

Thank you, Aaron. I am grateful for the journey we were able to share together and I hope you’ll continue to keep in touch. Thank you for being here ❤️❤️

[@ColeMBig]

you are an angel on earth. Thank you!

[@MiriLee]

My pleasure!

[@misschanhauying]

Thank you for this video and I am sorry that you have lost a good friend. :(

[@MiriLee]

Thank you my friend.

[@gaganjangle2276]

You are a such a great teacher! thank you for sharing your knowledge! 😊

[@MiriLee]

It's my pleasure, truly. Thank you for being here and sharing this journey together with me.

[@ashleymartins2867]

I am so sorry for your loss - thank you for making this video - we all appreciate you

[@MiriLee]

Thank you, Ashley. I am very happy to hear you are going to the gym daily and taking care of yourself. There will always be another exam or milestone to achieve, but there will only be one of you. I hope you'll continue to invest and pour into yourself. Thank you for being here.

[@Goranang]

I haven’t watched yet but seeing you back just made me overwhelmed coz I wait for your video because you are super great! Thank you for everything love ❤️

[@MiriLee]

I'm happy to be here and excited for our continued shared journey ahead! Thank you for being here.

[@tarynprovencher6544]

Thank you so much Miri! Your videos are SO helpful and well done. As a visual learner, it is helping me to use many aspects of sensory input while studying, therefore I can listen, look, write and read to study with these videos! I cannot thank you enough and I will be sure to send you more thanks soon as well. Rest in peace Peter. He sounded amazing and to hear you connected means you have a beautiful soul as well. I loved your tribute and the world always works in such mysterious ways...your message is RIGHT on time for me today! Wow, I can't even believe it. Thank you! Keep being you, awesome to the max lady! Talk soon. :)

[@MiriLee]

Hi Taryn, thank you for your thoughtful and sweet message. I'm happy to know that my videos have been a good resource for you and hope you will continue to gain value and inspiration as we walk this journey together. Sending love and air hugs!!

[@gabriellasalazar9783]

Miri, your story about your friend made me cry. I am sure he heard and felt your love. Thank you so much for everything you do! I am calling my mom now; thank you for the reminder.

[@MiriLee]

Your message warms my heart. Thank you, Gabriella.

[@user-zb1fp5yk8e]

Sorry for your loss. The last part of this video made me cry. I just lost my grandma about a month ago. I know the feelings. Thank you for the this video Miri.

[@MiriLee]

My condolences to you and your family. I hope your loving memories of your grandma will carry you during this time.

[@caitlinwindsor4964]

Thank you so much for this! I take my test next week and this was so helpful

[@MiriLee]

Hi Caitlin! I’m so happy to hear this video was helpful! I’ll be thinking of you and sending prayers for peace of mind and unwavering confidence! ❤️❤️

[@graced3793]

Thank you for your openness and willingness to give to the OT community. I can’t imagine the work this video took to make. My test is next week, and your videos have helped me review while reminding me how much I already know during this crunch time! I am so sorry to hear about your friend- you have brought light and comfort to strangers on the Internet, so I can’t imagine the impact you had on his life. He felt your presence and love.

[@MiriLee]

Hi Grace, thank you for your thoughtful and sweet comment. I'm happy to know my resources have been helpful and I hope that they will continue to bring light and comfort as you prepare for your exam. I'll be thinking of you this week as you sit for the board exam. Please keep in touch.

[@graced3793]

@@MiriLee I had to come back to this comment asap!!! I PASSED!!! thank you x10000 😭❤️

[@alexandraschwartz3473]

The story about meeting Peter in Southeast Asia helped me see the bigger picture…making a significant impact in the scope of OT. Your content is fabulous ⚕️👩🏽‍⚕️✨

[@MiriLee]

I'm glad to hear that, Alexandra. Thank you for being here and sharing this journey with me.

[@sheilashac6115]

As well as the hard work to put this content together

[@ManjeetKaur-zs5vf]

Welcome back 🙏🙏 right in time. I decided to give my exam after 10 long years and I am so so grateful to you and your work 🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@MiriLee]

I’m so happy to have you here. Thank you for sharing your journey with me ❤️

[@bkj2000]

Studying for my interventions final ! I really appreciate you for making this video it has helped me tremendously

[@elizabethchase600]

Welcome back missed you

[@MiriLee]

I miss you all too. Thank you for being here.

[@maggiemaloney3891]

you have a fantastic presenting style! really engaging. thanks

[@MiriLee]

Thank you for your feedback and kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed this video- it was a labor of love in honor of my friend and had really hoped that it would resonate with our community. Thank you for studying with me.

[@sarahvanvechten3017]

Thank you for making this video and going in to such depth and detail in regards to CVA. I have been watching and rewatching your videos for the past 7 weeks in preparation of my board exam on Saturday. You have given me such confidence in my abilities to learn, understand, and recall information and think like an OT. I am so thankful for you and all the content you provide for me and all of us studying for the board exam. God bless you, and your friend Peter! Sending hugs!!!

[@MiriLee]

Sarah, this message makes me soooo happy! More than anything, I'm delighted to hear you're feeling more confident in your ability to learn and think like an OT. I sincerely hope and pray that this confidence will continue to grow and shape you as you go through every transition along your OT journey. So much love to you, Sarah! I'll be holding you in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this last stretch of preparation before your exam on Saturday.

[@kelseykellow4959]

Thank you so much for posting this Miri! It's so helpful and inspiring to see you sharing and helping others out you put so much effort and time into these and you are so very passionate about your work I am so grateful for these videos of yours. God bless you and may your friend rest in peace I'm sure he was grateful for your presence, having a friend near brings peace I hope you find comfort in that. Thank you for this video it was a beautiful, inspiring, and a tearjerker.

[@MiriLee]

Thank you for your thoughtful and very kind message, Kelsey. I appreciate your love, support and encouragement.

[@kelseykellow4959]

@@MiriLee ❤️

[@user-qw4fu5nc9g]

Thanks!

[@kyaraaviles8372]

Thank you for posting this very detailed video, I thought this would only be a refresher, but I learned something new today. I am so grateful for your motivational words at the end of each video, specially this one. I was very moved by your words and will continue moving forward to pass the exam while filling my cup every day. Thank you!

[@MiriLee]

What a sweet, thoughtful and heartwarming message. Thank you for taking the time to connect with me and express your love and appreciation. More than anything, my heart is moved to hear you say that these videos have served to fill your cup. I am grateful for our shared journey. Please keep in touch. Who knows, maybe we'll meet one day at an AOTA conference! Please take good care.

[@lancedominguez6071]

Thank you!!

[@MiriLee]

My pleasure! I hope you enjoyed it.

[@carmelitafelicitas2431]

Thank you OT Miri Lee…..very clear explanation of stroke….very helpful for us who have loved ones who suffered a stroke. Pls continue to enlighten us so we can help our loved ones. More power to you!!!!

[@MiriLee]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I appreciate you.

[@claraespinal5253]

Hi, Miri. Love the video, and am glad you back. Enjoy it.

[@MiriLee]

Clara!!! Hiiiiii! Oh my goodness, it's been a long time! How have you been? So good to hear from you!

[@claraespinal5253]

@@MiriLee I'm doing good, thank you. Nice to see you again, you know I'm always looking for your helpful information.

[@TheYunchris]

Love your website :p

[@elled.3398]

Miri, thank you so very much for making this video, in addition to all the other videos you've produced. You've helped countless students and new graduates feel more confident in their ability to overcome obstacles in academic and clinical settings (including me)! Also, thank you for sharing your story about Peter. Life is short and it's important to take care of ourselves and stay connected with the people we love most. Just know you are greatly appreciated for all that you do! You're wonderful! ♥

[@MiriLee]

This is such a sweet, heartfelt and thoughtful note. Thank you so much for your love, support and encouragement. Your note is just what I needed today to lift my spirits. Please keep in touch. I'd love to meet you one day at the AOTA conference, or any other OT related event. Hoping that day would come!

[@elled.3398]

Anytime! I'm so glad I was able to lend you some happiness and comfort through my comment, and I hope we can meet someday too! In the mean time, take care Miri, and thank you again for all of your amazing content! You and your channel are total gems! @MiriLee

[@nicoleventurinobrown3501]

Studying neurologic impairments this week, this could not be better timing. Thank you so much!

[@MiriLee]

Really happy to hear that! Thank you for studying with me!

[@garywalling4341]

You'll never, ever really get near to understanding any of what you're studying unless you have a stroke (God help you if you do). It, totally destroys your life beyond any comprehension, unless it happens to you you'll have no idea, no matter how much you study, sorry.

[@erikabearika3249]

@@garywalling4341 she still has to learn about it..?

[@garywalling4341]

@@erikabearika3249 Yes but, what I'm saying is unless you've had a stroke you'll never know. You can't be taught what it's really like.

[@kaitlynwrenn6870]

Hi Miri, thank you so much for this video! I am sending you lots of love and healing as you grieve your friend. I believe our experiences, while not always positive, can fuel our passions. Again, thank you for the informative video, I found it very helpful. I am just starting to study for my boards and will be taking the exam in July, so I will be spending a lot of my time with you and your videos this summer!

[@MiriLee]

Hi Kaitlyn! I'm delighted to know that you found this video helpful. I'll be posting part 2 shortly so you can watch that one before you take your exam! I hope you find it just as helpful, as I poured my heart into making that one for you guys. I know this is can be a stressful time, but I hope you'll find solace in knowing that you're not alone. I'm here, rooting for you, always. Take good care, and please keep in touch and let me know how things are going!

[@Andy-py8sz]

You are a really good teacher

[@MiriLee]

Thank you, Andy. Our community here, and people like you, keep me motivated and inspired.

[@danielacastillo9016]

You are back 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼!!!!! Perfect time because I take my exam again in 3 weeks . I failed my exam for 5 points 😩. I have faith and feel confident I will pass this time . 😃

[@MiriLee]

Hi Daniela! I will be praying that your faith and confidence continues to carry you and protect you from negative or deflating thoughts. You already have within you everything you need to pass and you'll go on to do so much more than just passing this exam.

[@oliverfay7]

Thanks for the great content Miri! We all really appreciate it. I thought the anatomy review was very helpful and realized that I found the thrombosis part a little confusing as well - thanks for clearing that up! I'm so sorry to hear about your friend Peter. You are absolutely right. My best friend Joel passed away last year in a tragic car accident. He was doing so much better in life (he had a lot of medical issues) and was planning this big trip in a couple weeks. He was like a brother (I have 3). I was putting off going back home (Canada) for several years to see him and thought because of COVID I'll just wait until restrictions were less complicated. Like you said, time doesn't wait for anyone and anything can happen at any moment. We can't wait for the "perfect moment" to do something... Whatever you are waiting on, you just have to pull the trigger, as we don't know what's around the corner...for better or for worse. RIP Joel (and Peter), I'll never forget the impact you had on my life. Thanks again for sharing Miri!

[@MiriLee]

Oliver, you're going to make me cry! Thank you for your heartfelt message. You're right- we can't wait for the "perfect moment" to do anything because tomorrow is not guaranteed. I'm sorry about your best friend, Joel. Losing a loved one leaves a hole that can never be filled or replaced in the same way. But I hope you have found some comfort and solace in your memories with Joel. Thinking of you and sending love and light your way, Oliver.

[@oliverfay7]

@@MiriLee Thanks for the thoughtful reply, Miri! I was a little older than most of my classmates in OT school, so I always wanted to prove to myself that I could do well. But ultimately, you can get lost in that type of mindset by not enjoying the process or by not experiencing other things - occupational balance is key! We must enjoy every present moment that we have with our friends, family, and clients... As we never know what awaits tomorrow. Keep it up Miri, you've been such a positive force for so many :)

[@MiriLee]

Hi Oliver, how have you been? It's been quite some time... 9 months? I thought about you (and the story you told me about your friend Joel) and wondered how you were doing. I hope life is treating you well and that you're finding many reasons to smile and laugh everyday.

[@oliverfay7]

@@MiriLee Wow, I was so surprised to see your message, Miri. You're such an amazing person to follow up all these months later. I'm actually doing very well! In December, I finally passed my boards on the 3rd attempt and started working full-time at an LTAC hospital here in LA. In addition, I have been doing home health after work and on Saturdays ...about 15 pts per week..So Very busy!! On June 17th, my first child was born. Her name is Sochita :) which is of Cambodian origins (wife's parents are from there). Life has changed so much from studying for the boards less than a year ago! How are you? How is the little one? :) If there are ever any OT conferences or something similar in LA we must meet up! You have been so supportive and helpful during those dark moments through the NBCOT. Thank you again for everything 🙏☺️ Sending positive vibes and thoughts to you and your family.

[@HermannTheGreat]

Thank you so much for this content, better than my classes. If you continue to make videos I'm sure you'd reach a few hundred thousand subs within a few years.

[@MiriLee]

Thank you for studying with me and for your love and encouragement. I appreciate you and our shared journey.

[@anjlidhir7012]

Thank you so much for such an amazing video mam.❤️ alot of things can make sence now😂😊☮️ there are few online resources for OT and as a student I'm glad that i found your channel..... Please keep posting more and more videos on different topics ❤️

[@MiriLee]

You're welcome, it's my pleasure, Anjli. I'm glad you found my channel too and am looking forward to our continued shared journey.

[@CroupierCruises]

Hi Miri, I found your video while researching stroke information after my close friend had a stroke last week at only 39yo. Would you happen to have gone to school at RB in Southern California?

[@CroupierCruises]

BTW, my name is Angie. I went to school and was friends with a Miri Lee in my teenage years.

[@MiriLee]

Oh my goodness, ANGIE! Wow, I'm not going to disclose here how long it's been, haha, but suffice it to say it has been a LONG TIME! How have you been? Are you still in Southern California? I've been thinking a lot about RB lately and how it all feels like a blink of an eye. In so many ways, I still feel like the same Miri Lee from RB! Anyway, what a small world that we would reconnect like this. So happy to hear from you!!!

[@CroupierCruises]

@MiriLee wow! I was thinking it might be you. It's been a few for sure! I'm back in socal in escondido! I'll private msg you on Instagram.