Stroke Recovery in Pasadena, CA
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Without proper blood flow, brain cells begin to die within minutes, making stroke one of the most serious medical emergencies. Recovery can vary greatly depending on how quickly treatment is received and the severity of the event. However, early care and long-term management are crucial to regaining independence and maintaining a high quality of life.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, stroke recovery support is guided by Dr. Kimberley Shine, a family medicine practitioner who blends advanced medical care with integrative and functional medicine. She and her team are dedicated to helping patients recover from stroke and address underlying conditions to prevent future events.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Strokes often occur due to conditions that affect the cardiovascular system. Some common risk factors include:
- High blood pressure (the leading cause of stroke)
- High cholesterol and lipid imbalances
- Diabetes and insulin resistance
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Heart disease, including atrial fibrillation
- Smoking and excessive alcohol use
- Family history of stroke or cardiovascular disease
Understanding these risk factors enables Shine Health and Wellness to develop proactive strategies that mitigate future risks while supporting recovery.
Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
Recognizing a stroke quickly can make all the difference in treatment outcomes. Common signs include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden vision changes in one or both eyes
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or trouble walking
- Severe headache with no known cause
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate emergency medical care. After emergency treatment, Shine Health and Wellness can provide ongoing support to help patients recover and prevent recurrence.
Stroke Recovery Options
Stroke care doesn’t end after the hospital stay. It continues with long-term management, rehabilitation, and prevention strategies. At Shine Health and Wellness, treatment may include:
- Comprehensive Health Assessments: Identifying the underlying causes of stroke, including hypertension, high cholesterol, and metabolic concerns.
- Medication Management: Prescribing or adjusting medications to reduce risk factors and protect cardiovascular health.
- Nutritional Guidance: Helping patients adopt heart-healthy diets that support vascular and neurological recovery.
- Lifestyle Counseling: Encouraging exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management for long-term wellness.
- Functional Medicine Approaches: Addressing inflammation, hormone balance, and gut health that may contribute to cardiovascular risk.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Regular check-ins to track progress and make adjustments as needed.
Preventing a Recurrence
Secondary prevention is a cornerstone of stroke care. By carefully managing blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and lifestyle habits, patients can significantly reduce the risk of another event. Shine Health and Wellness empowers patients with education, tools, and ongoing support to stay proactive about their health and safeguard their future.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, combines her expertise in family medicine with integrative and functional medicine to provide stroke patients with compassionate, whole-person care. She understands that successful treatment goes beyond symptom management — it requires trust, education, and collaboration.
Patients at Shine Health and Wellness benefit from a dedicated team that includes experienced nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist. Together, they provide medical and supportive care under one roof, making it easier for patients to recover and thrive.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
A stroke can feel life-changing, but the right care makes recovery possible. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team are here to guide you with personalized treatment plans and ongoing support. Call 626-317-0207 today to schedule a consultation.