Ashley Gatewood, OTR/L

Ashley is an occupational therapist and health writer based out of Richmond, VA. Ashley has seven years of experience across multiple practice settings and is currently working in adult home health.

NIHSS

What is the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)?

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is a clinical assessment of stroke severity. Results from this measure can help predict a patient's recovery and determine their medical course following acute stroke.

stroke recovery and rehabilitation

How to Quickly Recover After Stroke

Stroke recovery is different for every person. After someone survives a stroke their recovery starts day one and can continue for several years. The severity of the stroke impacts how a person’s recovery will go.

Spinal Cord Injury

Difference Between a Complete Spinal Cord Injury and Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries can happen in a variety of ways, whether that’s through a traumatic injury or a disease acquired at birth or later in life. These types of injuries result in damage to the spinal cord. The spinal cord doesn’t have to be cut in order to have a loss of function.

muscle atrophy

What is Muscle Atrophy and How Can I prevent it?

Muscle atrophy is when the muscle wastes away and is often experienced by patients with stroke. When we don’t use our muscles regularly it causes them to thin out due to lack of active stimulation and exercise.

Hemiplegia vs. Hemiparesis

Hemiplegia and hemiparesis could seem very similar because they sometimes have the same underlying symptoms. However, they have different meanings.