At The Stroke Of A Key: Online Therapies To Improve Sight Of Stroke Survivors

11/27/2012 6:59 AM ET

Stroke frequently affects vision, and one in five stroke survivors are said to have hemianopia, a condition which refers to partial or total loss of vision in either the right or left sides of one or both eyes. The visual problems following a stroke can severely affect the quality of life of stroke survivors. But all hope need not be lost as researchers from the University College London have developed two new web-based therapies to help stroke survivors improvetheir sight from the comfort of their own home.

The two websites namely, Read-Right and Eye-Search could mark the beginning of a new online era for stroke rehabilitation, helping stroke survivors with everyday tasks like reading a shopping list or identifying an item of clothing from the wardrobe, say the researchers NEXT...

After Stroke, Living in a Home Filled With Bickering, and Love

A conversation between two roommates, Marianela Toro and Ana Ventura, on a recent afternoon consisted of disparaging comments soaked in sarcasm and exasperated sighs that were soon chased with laughter. There was even a weapon brandished: Ms. Ventura, 43, threatened Ms. Toro, 46, with a pillow.

Enlarge This Image

Marilynn K. Yee/The New York Times

Marianela Toro suffered a stroke that caused most of her left side to be paralyzed.  A sister and nephew live with her.

For the past 100 years, The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund has provided direct assistance to children, families and the elderly in New York. To celebrate the 101st campaign, an article will appear daily through Jan. 25. Each profile will illustrate the difference that even a modest amount of money can make in easing the struggles of the poor.

Last year donors contributed $7,003,854, which was distributed to those in need through seven New York charities.

Donate Now »

More on How to Give »

Follow Us on Twitter »

Join Us on Facebook »

Read more at nytimes.com/neediest.

The Youngest Donors

If your child or family is usingcreative techniques to raise money for this year’s campaign, we want to hear from you. Drop us a line on Facebook or talk to us on Twitter.

2012-13 Campaign

Previously recorded:

$2,686,184

Recorded Thursday:

$173,916

*Total:

$$2,860,100

Last year to date:

$2,640,733

*Includes $511,791 contributed to the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

Connect with NYTMetro

Follow us on Twitterand like us onFacebook for news and conversation.

“Her hobby is screaming,” Ms. Toro said. “She screams all the time.”

“She’s like a child,” Ms. Ventura shot back, and Ms. Toro, an admitted instigator, simply smiled.

Ms. Toro and Ms. Ventura are sisters, sharing an apartment in the Unionport neighborhood of the Bronx. Ms. Ventura’s 12-year-old son, Yadriel Bracero, who had always been close to his aunt, lives with them. Bickering and pranks are commonplace in their home. NEXT...

Frankie Muniz has mini-stroke: 'I couldn't say words'

He says he's "still trying to make sense of it."

(Photo: Matt Sayles, AP)

10:07AM EST December 5. 2012 - Malcolm in the Middle star Frankie Muniz turns 27 today. And last week, he suffered a mini-stroke.

TMZ reported the news on Tuesday, citing a source was taken to an Arizona ER on Friday when friends noticed he was "acting really weird" -- having trouble speaking and understanding words -- and they got freaked out."

On Good Morning America today the actor/musician explained, "I couldn't say words. I thought I was saying them! My fiance, was looking at me like I was speaking a foreign language."

He was riding his motorcycle in Phoenix on Friday when he lost vision in one eye, he told GMA. His doctors told him he had suffered a mini-stroke. Among people who have had strokes, fewer than 10% are under 45. Muniz says he doesn't drink or do drugs and has never had a cigarette. NEXT....