Stroke Helpline: 0303 3033 100

Website: stroke.org.uk

Books and resources about stroke

Many people find it useful to find out as much as possible about stroke
and its effects. Here we have suggested books, DVDs and online
media that may interest you. They cover general information and
specific topics such as aphasia, personal experiences of stroke and
information for carers. The books listed here are available from major
bookshops, online retailers or directly from the publishers.

Books about stroke stroke, as well as advice about recovery and

rehabilitation. One of a series of American
Conquering Heart Attacks and Strokes handbooks written in lay terms.
Sari Harrar
Paperback, 2011, Readers Digest Association Stroke Prevention, Treatment and
This book discusses the risk factors for Rehabilitation
stroke and heart disease, and provides David Spence and Henry JM Barnett
practical advice on managing your risk Paperback, 2012, McGraw-Hill
factors. Includes tips on losing weight and Aimed at medical professionals, this book
exercise plans. includes chapters written by various authors.
It provides an overview of the pathology of
Stroke at Your Fingertips stroke. It also explains how to prevent stroke
Dr Anthony Rudd, Penny Irwin and and how to treat it, including rehabilitation
Bridget Penhale techniques.
Paperback, 2005, Class Publishing
This book provides information about stroke Stroke: The Facts
from prevention to recovery and offers ideas Dr Richard I Lindley
to help you regain mobility and strength. It Paperback, 2008, Oxford University Press
tackles the questions you may feel uneasy An illustrated, user-friendly guide for all
asking your doctor and includes information those affected by stroke, and a useful
for family members. It is written in a question introduction to stroke medicine for
and answer format. professionals.

Stroke for Dummies Understanding Stroke

John R. Marler, M.D. Editor Rosemary Sassoon
Paperback, 2005, Wiley Publishing Paperback, 2013, Book Guild Ltd
This book includes information about the This book contains chapters written by a
symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of variety of specialists for patients, carers

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Books and resources about stroke

and healthcare professionals. Topics include this book by blinking his eye in response
younger people, children, speech and to assistants reading out the letters of
language therapy, cognitive problems and the alphabet. His story was released as an
the Bobath technique. award-winning film in 2007.

When Lightning Strikes Falling and Laughing: The Restoration of

Dr Valery Feigin Edwyn Collins
Paperback, 2005, HarperCollins Grace Maxwell
This book covers stroke prevention, Paperback, 2009, Ebury Press
management and recovery in nine clear and In 2005, Edwyn Collins suffered a debilitating
illustrated chapters. and near fatal brain haemorrhage. This is a
personal account of his recovery written by
Books written from personal his wife and manager. Amazingly, the former
experience Orange Juice singer was able to return to the
stage in 2007. He regained his speech and
Also see some of the titles listed under mobility, and then focused his attention on
Rehabilitation and self-help. relearning to draw with his left hand.

A Stroke of Misfortune Four Minute Warning

John Greenridge MJ Tolley
Paperback, 2010, AuthorHouse UK Paperback, 2010, Lulu
This book is written by the husband and MJ Tolley had a stroke due to bleeding in
carer of a stroke survivor. He tells his story the brain at the age of 14. Here, he gives
of how he devoted his life to helping his wife, a personal account of how it affected his
Margaret, to recover. adolescent years and how he rebuilt his life.

Climbing the Mountain: Stories of Hope In the Blink of an Eye

and Healing after Stroke and Brain Injury Hasso and Catherine von Bredow
Candis Fancher, Lindsey McDivitt and Hardback, 2009, Orion Publishing
Jacquelyn Fletcher Hasso von Bredow (a father of three and
Paperback, 2009, Fairview Press successful businessman) had a massive
This is a collection of stories from survivors brainstem stroke, leaving him with locked-
of stroke and brain injuries and their families. in syndrome. Totally paralysed but with
On the road to recovery, they reveal how complete awareness, he used coded blinking
simple therapeutic techniques can enhance and state of the art technology to write this
recovery, while acknowledging that not moving and life-affirming memoir, letter by
everyone makes a good recovery. letter, helped only by his wife.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly My Stroke of Insight

Jean-Dominique Bauby Jill Bolte Taylor
Paperback, 1997, Fourth Estate Paperback, 2009, Hodder & Stoughton
Mr Bauby, the editor of the French magazine Jill Bolte Taylor was 37 and working as
Elle, suffered a massive brainstem stroke an anatomist when an arteriovenous
resulting in locked-in syndrome. He dictated malformation (AVM) in her brain burst, causing

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Books and resources about stroke

a stroke. She was in the unique position of with ideas about how to deal with change,
recognising what was happening to her. This manage difficult emotions and look to the
book describes her long recovery and the future.
lessons she has drawn from it.
The 36 Hour Day
My Year Off: Rediscovering Life After a Nancy Mace
Stroke Paperback, 2011, John Hopkins
Robert McCrum University Press
Paperback, 1998, Picador This is a complete guide for carers of people
The author and journalist had a severe stroke with dementia or memory loss. It explains
at the age of 42. He spent three months in the conditions, discusses research and gives
hospital, and the next year recovering. He practical advice about the everyday aspects
then returned to his job as literary editor of caring.
of the Observer newspaper, and became
actively involved with the charity for younger When Your Spouse Has a Stroke Caring
people affected by stroke, Different Strokes. for Your Partner, Yourself and Your
Relationship
Time Out of Mind Sara and Jeffrey Palmer
Jane Lapotaire Paperback, 2011, John Hopkins
Hardback, 2003, Virago Press University Press
The actress and author recalls her This book provides guidance to stroke
experience of a stroke due to bleeding survivors and their partners on how to cope
in the brain, and the emotionally difficult with a stroke. It focuses on caring for your
aftermath. partner whilst maintaining your relationship
and ensuring that you look after yourself,
What Are You Thinking of, Dad? too. It uses examples from couples and
Nick Wisby gives practical tips to cope with everyday
Paperback 2011 Matador challenges.
Nick was 15 when his father had a stroke
and lost the ability to communicate. He tells Books about communication
the story of his experience of living with problems
this situation and how it changed the family
dynamic. A Stroke in the Family
Valerie Eaton Griffith
Books for carers Paperback, 1979
Reprinted 2010 by East Kent Strokes
Caring and Coping: A Guide for Relatives This book outlines the stimulating exercises
Gwen Knight and games that the author developed when
Paperback, 2006, Connect Press helping Patricia Neal (actress and wife of
This book offers advice, tips and guidance Roald Dahl) with her recovery from a series
for relatives and friends of someone with of massive strokes. To read extracts or order
aphasia. Researched and designed by a a copy, visit www.eastkentstrokes.org/links
family support worker, it includes advice
from people with aphasia and their relatives,

Stroke Association November 2013 3

Books and resources about stroke

Aphasia Therapy WorkbookVol. 1 and 2 stroke deprived him of the ability to write
Julie Guerrero, Winslow Press and speak. Moving and well researched, this
These workbooks are designed for adults is a useful book filled with information about
with aphasia. They set various tasks, aphasia.
including exercises in completing phrases,
putting sentences in the right order, writing The Stroke and Aphasia Handbook
and spelling. Available from Winslow Press: Susie Parr, Carole Pound, Sally Byng and
www.winslow-cat.com Bridget Long
Hardback, updated 2008, Connect Press
Better Conversations: A Guide for This handbook provides information on
Relatives all aspects of life following stroke from
Paperback, 2006, Connect Press the early days to getting back to life. It
This book was designed with the advice includes essential information and contacts
of people with aphasia and their relatives for people with aphasia, family, friends,
at Connect. It contains tips, ideas and professionals and volunteers. (Also available
inspiration to help make conversation easier from Connect.)
for relatives, friends and people with aphasia
themselves. There are also suggestions for Talking About Aphasia: Living with Loss of
tackling barriers to conversation. Language After Stroke
Susie Parr, Sally Byng, Sue Gilpin and Chris
Conversation Support Book Ireland
Card (spiral-bound), 2009, Chest, Heart and Paperback, 1997, Open University Press
Stroke Scotland This book covers the experience of losing
A practical book with a small collection of language after stroke, based on the
simplified pictures to aid communication. accounts of 50 people living with aphasia.
Available from Chest, Heart and Stroke The book takes a problem-solving approach,
Scotland (see page 9 for contact details). looking at different areas of life and how to
overcome the difficulties aphasia may bring.
Less Words More Respect: My Experience
with Dysphasia Medication
Monica Clarke
Paperback, 1997, Speakability Adverse Drug Reactions
A personal account by Monica Clarke (a Editor Anne Lee
nurse, midwife, lawyer, activist and carer) Paperback, 2005, Pharmaceutical Press
about dealing with aphasia in a relationship This is an essential guide to the most
after her husbands severe stroke in 1994. common types of reaction and how to
Available from Speakability (see page 10 for recognise them for practitioners and
contact details). patients. Guidance is given on how to
manage suspected adverse drug reactions.
The Man Who Lost His Language
Sheila Hale An A to Z of British Medicines Research:
Paperback, 2007, Jessica Kingsley Stroke
Sheila Hale and her husband, the historian The Association of the British Pharmaceutical
John Hale, rebuilt their life together after a Industry (ABPI), 4th edition

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Books and resources about stroke

Paperback, 2008 The Brain That Changes Itself

This gives a brief guide to research on Norman Doidge
medication being carried out by the Paperback, 2007, Penguin
pharmaceutical industry in Britain. Aimed at Norman Doidge is a psychiatrist
the healthcare sector, patients, families and and psychoanalyst who describes
carers. Available to download from neuroplasticity: the brains ability to
www.abpi.org.uk reorganise itself by forming new neural
connections (as it does after stroke). He
The British Medical Association New Guide introduces the reader to some incredible
to Medicines and Drugs case histories.
Paperback, 2007, Dorling Kindersley
This book references over 2,500 Disability Rights Handbook
medications (including prescription and Paperback, 37th edition, April 2012-13
over the counter types) and vitamins and Updated yearly, this is an essential guide to
minerals. It has a small section on high blood welfare benefits and services for all people
pressure and describes some of the drugs with disabilities and their families. Produced
prescribed to control it. by Disability Rights UK (see page 9 for
contact details).
British National Formulary Vol. 64
Joint Formulary Committee Exercises for Stroke
Paperback, 2012, BMJ Publishing Group Ltd William Smith
and Royal Pharmaceutical Society Paperback, 2010, Hatherleigh Press
This provides guidance on the medication The author of this book is an expert in
prescribed in the UK for common conditions. rehabilitation exercise and a consultant for
It provides information on the use of fitness, healthcare and wellness centres.
certain types of medication, their side This book has information on stroke and
effects, common dosages and whether rehabilitation, and step-by-step illustrated
they interact with any other types of exercises and exercise programmes to help
medication. It is updated every six months. improve mobility.
Available to purchase or download from the
Pharmaceutical Press, Tel: 0845 070 5656 If Only Id Known... Living with Ill-health,
Website: www.pharmpress.com Injury or Disability
Paperback, 2011, The Royal
Rehabilitation and self-help Association for Disability and Rehabilitation
(RADAR)
After Stroke This guide aims to provide all the initial
David M. Hinds information you need if you have suddenly
Paperback, 2000, Thorsons become disabled, with signposts to more
David Hinds used to work as a stress detailed information.
management consultant. After having a
series of strokes, he wrote this book. He One-Handed Parenting: A Practical Guide
includes many of the techniques he used for New Parents
in his former job to create a step-by-step Paperback, 2009, Disability, Pregnancy &
recovery plan. Parenthood International (DPPI)

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Books and resources about stroke

This book contains information on a stroke researcher and therapist based at

various aspects of baby care for one- the University of Cincinnati (Ohio, US).
handed parents. It offers practical tips and
equipment ideas and may also be useful for The Successful Stroke Survivor
healthcare professionals supporting one- Tom Balchin
handed parents. Available from DPPI Paperback, 2011, Bagwyn
(ref: T8) Tel: 0800 018 4730 The author of this book is the founder of the
Website: www.dppi.org.uk ARNI Trust (Action for Rehabilitation from
Neurological Injury). Following his stroke
The Plastic Mind aged 21, he created a training programme
Sharon Begley for himself which has helped him to regain
Paperback, 2009, Constable his strength and movement. This manual
The author uses the research around teaches exercises to help recovery with the
neuroplasticity to explore what it means to aid of images, so that stroke survivors can
be human. It includes information about the continue rehabilitation when their formal
science of the brain and how it can change. therapy ends.

Stroke Rehabilitation Taking Charge of Your Stroke Recovery: A

Robert Fawcus Personal Recovery Workbook
Paperback, 2002, Blackwell Science Roger and Kathy Maxwell, Daveda Lamont
The benefits of a multidisciplinary team are Paperback, 2008, Taking Charge Books
well understood by those involved in stroke This describes the self-help methods used
care. Here a group of experienced healthcare by the author to complete his recovery after
professionals give their own perspective on a disabling stroke. It includes a nutritional
the problems they encounter daily. plan and worksheets to record your progress.
A book of extra worksheets is also available.
Stroke Survivor: A Personal Guide to
Recovery Memory Problems
Andy McCann
Paperback, 2006, Jessica Kingsley The Big Brain Puzzle Book
This is not just a personal story of stroke, Terry H Stickels
but also a source of positive advice and Paperback, 2009, Time Inc.
information. It is written by a former sports Home Entertainment
coach and teacher who had a stroke at This book contains three levels of challenging
the age of 37. The author won the Stroke puzzles based on wordplay, creative thinking
Associations Life after Stroke Courage and visual games. This book has been
Award. approved by Alzheimers Association, USA.

Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to The Brain Injury Workbook Exercises for
Recovery Cognitive Rehabilitation
Peter G Levine Trevor Powell and Kit Malia
Paperback, 2009, Demos Medical Spiral-bound, 2003, Speechmark Publishing
This motivating guide to the pathways and This workbook contains more than 140
pitfalls of recovery from stroke is written by rehabilitation exercises tailored for

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Books and resources about stroke

developing your memory, thinking and Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

decision-making skills, awareness, insight, Barbara A. Wilson, Fergus Gracey, Jonathan J.
and emotional adjustment. Evans, Andrew Bateman
Hardback, 2009, Cambridge University Press
Coping with Memory Problems This book proposes a holistic approach to
Linda Clare and Barbara A Wilson rehabilitation for people with cognitive,
Paperback, 1997, Thames Valley emotional, or behavioural difficulties.
Test Company
Written for people with memory loss Swallowing problems
caused by illness or injury, this covers some
important facts about memory problems and The Dysphagia Cookbook
describes ways of tackling practical, Elaine Achilles
everyday issues. Paperback 2004, Cumberland House
This cookbook focuses on nutritious, tasty
The Memory Box recipes for those whose eating options
Robin Dynes are limited by chewing and swallowing
2006, Speechmark Publishing difficulties. It includes a classification of S,
Primarily designed for therapy use, The G or P indicating consistency levels of soft,
Memory Box contains a book and 120 ground or pured.
cards on topics such as family background,
working life, places and achievements. The Easy-to-Swallow, Easy-to-Chew
cards are used to help people to produce Cookbook
memory diaries and be able to discuss Donna Weihofen, JoAnne Robbins and Paula
aspects of their life. Sullivan
Paperback, 2002, John Wiley & Sons
Memory Handbook A Practical Guide to A collaborative work, this book draws on the
Living with Memory Problems knowledge of a nutritionist, a geriatrician
Alzheimers Society, 2010 and a speech therapist. It contains sections
This booklet explains how your memory on understanding swallowing difficulties,
works and why you might have problems. recipes (including vegetarian options) and
It then goes on to describe aids and dietary supplements.
equipment that can help, and provides tips
to improve your memory. Its available from Guidelines for stroke care
Alzheimers Society code 1540 (see page 9
for contact details). Price 6, free to people These provide information about all aspects
with dementia. of stroke care and what should be happening
at each stage of the stroke care pathway.
Memory Games for Groups They explain what stroke and transient
Robin Dynes ischaemic attacks (TIAs) are, how they are
Spiral-bound, 1998, Speechmark Publishing diagnosed, the medication that may be
This handbook features 80 adaptable prescribed, rehabilitation therapies and how
games for individuals or groups of all ages. to prevent stroke and TIAs.
It is designed to help people share their
difficulties and develop their memory skills.

Stroke Association November 2013 7

Books and resources about stroke

National Clinical Guideline for Stroke player. The following resources may be
(England, Northern Ireland and Wales) useful.
4th edition, 2012
Available from the Royal College of Audible
Physicians (see page 10 for contact details). Website: www.audible.co.uk
A booklet for patients called Care after stroke Audible provides digital audio books which
or transient ischaemic attack is also available. can be downloaded and listened to on
kindles, phones, ipods and mp3 players.
Management of Patients with Stroke They have over 60,000 titles.
or TIA: Assessment, Investigation,
Immediate Management and Secondary Royal National Institute of Blind People
Prevention (RNIB)
A national clinical guideline (SIGN) (Scotland) Helpline: 0303 123 9999
2008 Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Website: www.rnib.org.uk
Network (SIGN) RNIB provide a Talking Book service and a
Available from the Scottish Intercollegiate Talking Newspaper service. They currently
Guidelines Network (see page 10 for contact have 20,000 book titles and 230
details). A booklet for patients called Stroke newspapers.
assessment is also available.
DVDs and online media
Management of Patients with Stroke:
Rehabilitation, Prevention and From the Stroke Association
Management of Complications, and
Discharge Planning FAST training DVD (Recognise a Stroke:
2010 Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines The FAST Test)
Network (SIGN) 2012, Stroke Association
Available from the Scottish Intercollegiate Our resource is for paramedics, first aid
Guidelines Network (see page 10 for contact trainers and the general public. (This is not
details). A booklet for patients called the advert shown on television to highlight
Rehabilitation after a stroke is also available. the symptoms of stroke.) It is available from
the Stroke Association (see page 9 for
Audio material contact details). You can also watch this on
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/
A number of our publications are available in thestrokeassociation
audio format from our website. You can also
call our Stroke Helpline outside of opening You can find many of our short videos on
hours to listen to recorded information about YouTube. These cover events such as the
stroke. See page 9 for our contact details. Life after Stroke Awards, personal
experiences of stroke such as My Stroke
Many books are also available in audio Victory, and campaigns such as the Lost for
format. Some bookshops sell audio books on Words campaign. Some of the videos
CDs, and there are companies that produce contain information about the symptoms
audio books in mp3 format that can be of stroke and how to prevent stroke. Some
downloaded onto an ipod, kindle or mp3 of these clips are listed below, and all of the

8 Stroke Association November 2013

Books and resources about stroke

videos can be accessed online. You can view Useful organisations

them at: www.youtube.com/user/
thestrokeassociation All organisations are UK wide unless
otherwise stated.
What is a Stroke?
2009, Stroke Association Stroke Association
This short film explains what a stroke is. Helpline: 0303 3033 100
Email: [email protected]
Preventing a Stroke Website: stroke.org.uk
2009, Stroke Association Contact us for information about stroke,
This short film discusses how to prevent a emotional support and details of local
stroke. services and support groups.

DVDs Alzheimers Society

Helpline: 0300 222 1122
Life After Stroke Email: [email protected]
This DVD covers understanding a stroke, Website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
rehabilitation after a stroke, returning to
the community, and life after stroke. It is British Heart Foundation
available from the Stroke Foundation of Tel: 0870 600 6566
New Zealand website: www.stroke.org.nz Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bhf.org.uk
Life After Stroke: Inspirational Stories
This DVD contains four stories from stroke Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland
survivors. It is also available from the Stroke Tel: 0131 225 6963
Foundation of New Zealand. Website: www.chss.org.uk

Stroke Education Ltd (New Zealand) Connect

This collection of three DVDs covers topics Tel: 020 7367 0840
such as understanding stroke, rehabilitation Website: www.ukconnect.org
and care at home, and coping with the
aftermath of stroke. These DVDs have been Disability Rights UK
supported by the World Stroke Organization. Tel: 020 7250 3222
Available from www.stroke-education.com Website: www.disabilityrightsuk.org

Stroke Matters RADAR

This DVD includes two 20-minute films Tel: 020 7250 3222
Making Sense of Stroke and Facing the Website: www.radar.org.uk
Future. These films provide background
information and feature people who have Royal College of Physicians (England,
had a stroke dealing with the practical issues Northern Ireland and Wales)
and challenges they face. Available from: Tel: 020 3075 1649
Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS). Website: www.rcplondon.ac.uk/bookshop
See the following for their contact details.

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Books and resources about stroke

Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines

Network
Tel: 0131 623 4720
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sign.ac.uk

Speakability
Tel: 020 7261 9572
Website: www.speakability.org.uk

Disclaimer: The Stroke Association

provides the details of other organisations
for information only. Inclusion in this
resource sheet does not constitute a
recommendation or endorsement.

Produced by the Stroke Associations

Information Service. Stroke Association
Resource sheet 2, version 1.1, published
November 2013 (next review due October 2015)
Item code: A01R02

The Stroke Association is registered as a charity in England and Wales (No 211015) and in Scotland (SC037789). Also registered in
Northern Ireland (XT33805) Isle of Man (No 945)and Jersey (NPO 369).

10 Stroke Association November 2013