Resources | From Here

Resources for Stroke Survivors and Caregivers

You should not have to search the internet alone to figure out what is real and what is not.

This page brings together the most trusted resources for stroke survivors, caregivers, and the people who love them.

From Here recommends these organizations because they are evidence-based, patient-centered, and free to access.

National Stroke Organizations

American Stroke Association: stroke.org The leading nonprofit dedicated to stroke prevention, treatment, and recovery. Features survivor stories, caregiver resources, and a stroke family warmline.
American Heart Association: heart.org Offers comprehensive information on stroke types, risk factors, recovery, and research.
Brain Aneurysm Foundation: bafound.org Provides resources specifically for hemorrhagic stroke and brain aneurysm survivors.

Recovery and Rehabilitation Resources

Stroke Comeback Center: strokecomebackcenter.org Community-based programs for stroke survivors to improve communication and independence.
Lingraphica: lingraphica.com Communication tools and resources for survivors with aphasia.
Stroke Association UK: stroke.org.uk An extensive library of recovery guides, fact sheets, and caregiver support. Even if you are in the US, many resources apply.
TalkPath Live: talkpathlive.com Free online therapy sessions for stroke survivors with aphasia.

Mental Health and Emotional Support

Stroke Family Warmline: 1-888-478-7653. A free support line for stroke survivors and caregivers, staffed by trained specialists.
NAMI National Alliance on Mental Illness: nami.org. Mental health resources and support groups for survivors and caregivers experiencing post-stroke depression and anxiety.
Psychology Today therapist finder: psychologytoday.com/us/therapists. Find a therapist in your area who specializes in chronic illness, trauma, or caregiver support.

Caregiver Support

Caregiver Action Network: caregiveraction.org. Education, peer support, and advocacy for family caregivers.
AARP Caregiver Resource Center: aarp.org/caregiving. Practical tools, guides, and support for adult caregivers.
Family Caregiver Alliance: caregiver.org. Research-based information and support programs for caregivers nationwide.

From Kim Directly

These are the resources Kim wishes she had known about from day one. She has not been paid to recommend any of them, and they are included because they are genuinely helpful.

If you find a resource that changed your recovery or caregiving experience and you believe it belongs on this page, reach out at kim@fromhere.health.

From Here grows with your input.

Understanding Spasticity: Kim's Treatment Journey

Spasticity is one of the most common and least discussed effects of stroke. It is muscle stiffness and tightness caused by disrupted signals between the brain and muscles. It can be painful, limit movement, and affect your ability to walk, use your hands, and perform daily activities.

Here is what Kim's spasticity treatment looked like from December 2024 through March 2026.

Oral medication: Baclofen was started in December 2024 during inpatient rehabilitation and adjusted multiple times throughout recovery. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant that helps reduce spasticity throughout the body.

Botulinum toxin injections: Botulinum toxin injections target specific muscles directly. Unlike oral medications that affect the whole body, injections work locally on the muscles, causing the most problems.

Kim's injection timeline:

June 2025: Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) 300 units
September 2025: Botox 500 units with expanded muscle selection
December 2025: Switched to Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) 1000 units
March 2026: Dysport 1500 units. Still improving at 16 months.

Stretching: From late October 2025 through January 2026, Kim did weekly stretching sessions at a local gym between injection cycles. Consistent stretching helps maintain and extend the benefits of botulinum toxin treatment.

Dry needling: In December 2025, Kim had two dry needling sessions at BSW Grapevine. Dry needling involves inserting thin needles into tight muscle tissue to release tension and improve movement.

Bioness electrical stimulation: In February 2026, Kim tried a one-hour trial session with the Bioness device, an electrical stimulation tool designed to improve foot drop and walking. She deferred continuing with it because toe curling made it uncomfortable. She plans to reconsider when that is better managed.

AFO progression: An AFO (ankle foot orthosis) is a brace that supports the foot and ankle.

December 2024: First AFO fitted by Parkland Orthotics
February 2025: Custom AFO fitted by Baker Orthotics, worn through June 2025
March 2025: Otto Bock Walk-On Trimmable AFO fitted by Baker Orthotics, still using as of March 2026

What this means for you: Spasticity treatment is not one-size-fits-all. It takes time, adjustment, and a care team that listens. If you are experiencing spasticity, ask your physiatrist or neurologist about all available treatment options. Do not accept that nothing can be done. Kim is still improving at 16 months and her treatment is still evolving.

Medications Commonly Used After Stroke

This section provides general information about medications commonly prescribed after a stroke. It is not specific to Kim and is not medical advice. Always discuss your medications with your care team. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your doctor first.

Spasticity medications

Muscle relaxants:

Baclofen (Lioresal): reduces muscle stiffness and spasms throughout the body
Methocarbamol (Robaxin): another oral muscle relaxant sometimes used for spasticity

Botulinum toxin injections:

OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox): injected directly into spastic muscles to reduce stiffness
AbobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport): another botulinum toxin formulation used for the same purpose

Blood pressure medications: High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke. Managing it after a stroke is critical.

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs): losartan, olmesartan
Diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone
Calcium channel blockers: amlodipine (Norvasc)

Pain and nerve medications:

Gabapentinoids: gabapentin (Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica). Used for nerve pain and sometimes post-stroke pain
Analgesics: acetaminophen (Tylenol) for headache and general pain management

Mood and sleep medications: Post-stroke depression and sleep disruption are common. These medications are sometimes prescribed to help.

Antidepressants: bupropion (Wellbutrin), vortioxetine (Trintellix), sertraline (Zoloft)
Sleep aids: trazodone (Desyrel), hydroxyzine (Atarax)
Anti-anxiety: buspirone (Buspar)

Seizure prevention: After a hemorrhagic stroke, anticonvulsant medications are sometimes prescribed to reduce seizure risk.

Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Lacosamide (Vimpat)

Common after ischemic stroke, not specific to Kim: These medications are commonly prescribed after ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot. Kim had a hemorrhagic stroke, so these were not part of her treatment. They are included here for completeness.

Anticoagulants: warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
Antiplatelet agents: aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix)
Statins: atorvastatin (Lipitor), rosuvastatin (Crestor)

Closing note: Every medication listed here is presented as general information only. None of these are linked to Kim by name except where she has explicitly approved. Your medication regimen will be specific to your stroke type, your medical history, and your care team's judgment. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any medication you are taking, why it was prescribed, and what side effects to watch for.