Medical Minute 9-15: Dealing with the Effects of Stroke
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
By: WCTV Tallahassee

WCTV Tallahassee

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., but thanks to new technology and treatment, there are also six and a half million survivors in the country. More than 20% of those survivors suffer from foot drop - the inability to raise the foot because of weakness or paralysis. A new, personalized device is helping survivors feel sturdier on their feet.

Linda Krohn isn't reading just any magazine. Her daughter graces the cover.

"This was her dream ever since she was 8," said Linda Krohn.

She's the proud mom of olympic gold medalist skier Lindsey Vonn.

"Lindsey is just one example of what hard work can do."

That work ethic runs in the family. But for years, Linda's foot drop held her back. She had a stroke while giving birth to Lindsey. The nerves in her left foot and ankle never recovered.

"This muscle doesn't get any nerve impulses from my brain at all. With a foot drop, I would catch my toe, so it's dangerous," she said.

She has a smoother, faster step now thanks to a device designed just for her.

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