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Apoplexy Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Apoplexy is a sudden loss of body function due to a blood vessel getting blocked or breaking. It causes bleeding into an organ in the body. It is also a loss of blood flow to an organ in the body. Sometimes, a stroke is called apoplexy. This is because there is either bleeding or a lack of blood to a part of the brain. Some apoplexies are named for the organ that they affect. For example, bleeding in the spleen is a spleen apoplexy. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Take all drugs that your doctor orders.
  • You may need extra help if you are having problems walking or doing everyday tasks. A physical therapist can teach you safe ways to get around. An occupational therapist can teach you how do things easier, such as bathing and getting dressed.
  • If you are having trouble coping, talking to a counselor may help. Talk to your family and friends about your problems. Tell them how they can help.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Based on what organ in the body is damaged, you may be sent to a specialist. You may need rehab care to help you get back slowly to your daily activities. Be sure to keep all these visits as well. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Help with blood clotting or bleeding problems
  • Change hormone levels
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Control blood sugar
  • Help with any other signs

Will physical activity be limited?


You may have to limit your activity. This will be based on your signs. Ask your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


  • Eat a healthy diet. Limit sweets and fatty foods such as desserts, fried foods, and chips. Ask your doctor if you need to limit your salt.
  • Limit your intake of beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).

Will there be any other care needed?


Any health problems that put you at high risk for a stroke should be treated. Some of these problems are high blood pressure and high blood sugar. A heart rate that is not normal or being overweight also raises your risk. ‚  

What problems could happen?


Problems will depend on where the apoplexy is. A brain apoplexy may cause problems with: ‚  
  • Speech and memory
  • Paralysis or weakness to your body or one side of your body
  • Bladder and bowel problems
  • Swallowing and eating
  • Changes in your behavior or judgment

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Stay active and exercise.
  • Keep a healthy weight.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Avoid fried foods. Limit your salt intake.
  • Take care of any high blood pressure problems. Take any drugs that the doctor orders.
  • Do not smoke.
  • Work to control your blood sugar if you have high blood sugar.
  • If you have sleep apnea, get treatment for it.
  • Work with your doctor to take care of any clotting or bleeding problems.

When do I need to call the doctor?


Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of stroke. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚  
  • Signs of stroke:
    • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
    • Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
    • Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
    • Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
    • Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Call your doctor if you have: ‚  
  • Problems taking your drugs
  • Sores or redness on your skin
  • Trouble moving your bowels or emptying your bladder
  • Any new signs or concerns
  • Trouble with your care at home that you need help with
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
  • I can tell you what signs of a stroke are and what I will do if I have them.

Where can I learn more?


National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ‚  
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/detail_stroke.htm ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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