Quackery and Charlatans
Without naming treatments or therapies; I've run into many bogus 'cures' in the 2.5 years since my stroke. I understand the desperation involved for the survivor and often times the family, in pursuing anything that promises to bring that which was lost, back. I also realize that stroke recovery depends greatly on attitude and motivation for continued recovery after the first year. So, most of us say nothing to those seeking alternative and unproven treatments. Which is fine...placebos don't hurt unless a person pins their hopes of recovery on a 'miracle' cure, spends money they can't afford or neglects treatment that will help them in favor of the quick fix.
I suppose I'm a little irate about it all. I'm in contact with one stroke survivor that does all of the above and it's just sad to witness when yet another' sure cure' inevitably doesn't work for her. In the meantime, she doesn't actively pursue the recovery work that would strengthen and edge her forward. Mentally, financially and physically damaging. And yet, as blunt as I normally am, even I can't tell her straight out that it's a load of !@$%, because it would dampen her temporary enthusiasm. Instead I look up what it is she's discovered this time and give her facts and statistics on it's efficacy... which she completely ignores. My understanding is that she was like this prestroke as well. Oh, and now she has some herbs she's planning to use to replace her coumidin(or rat poison, as she calls it) for her a-fib which caused her stroke, and hydrogen peroxide therapy 150 miles away. I have spoke with her daughter, and a Chaplin we both know and neither have made a dent in dissuading her. Cognitive dissonance I suppose.
Well, my rant is done. We can all go home now.
*kicks soapbox into bushes*
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