HAVING A STROKE can be a devastating experience for both the patient and family. The crisis created by a stroke creates an immediate need for the family to understand how to take care of the stroke patient. "Often the family is upset an d disoriented and leaves the doctor's office without remembering or fully comprehending how to respond properly to the stroke patient's needs". After years of nursing experience and teaching nurses' assistants, Helen Underwood has compiled a practical manual for families and caregivers. In doing so, she urges the caregiver to "consider how you yourself would feel if in a similar situation". After noting the causes and symptoms of stroke, and methods for assisting the patient, Ms. Underwood discusses differences between acute and extended care facilities, reviews simplified anatomy and medical terminology, and includes twelve basic needs illustrations to help the caregiver and patient communicate.