About this topic
A stroke is when the blood flow to your brain stops and the brain cells start to die. There are two different ways a stroke can happen. You may have: ‚
- An ischemic stroke. This is when a blood clot blocks or plugs one or more blood vessels in the brain.
- A hemorrhagic stroke. This is when a blood vessel breaks and bleeds into the brain.
You may have problems in many areas based on what part of your brain is affected by the stroke. This could include problems with moving or feeling in your arms and legs, memory, talking, or eating. ‚
In this kind of stroke, the problem with blood flow to your brain is on the left side. This part of your brain controls the right side of the body and many other mental functions. It may affect your ability to talk and understand language. ‚
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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 as ordered by your doctor.
- You may need changes in your home. These would make it easier for you to move around or do normal activities. This can include things such as ramps for a wheelchair or extra railings to hold as you walk.
- You may have changes in your behavior or judgment. You may need to have a caregiver stay with you.
- Your caregiver may need to take steps to keep your home safe for you to live there. This is mainly important if your stroke affected your memory.
- You may need help with exercises on specific body parts that were affected by the stroke. Your caregiver or a professional may have to help you with these.
- You may need to change your diet to make it easier to eat and drink.
- You may need help to go to the bathroom, take a bath, or other activities that you do on a daily basis.
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.
- Rehab will help you get back slowly to your daily activities. You may need to see many different people to help you with:
- Moving all of your body parts normally and getting them strong again
- Activities of daily living like eating and getting dressed
- Your speech. Sometimes, you may have problems remembering or saying the right words.
- Your mood and behavior
What drugs may be needed?
For ischemic stroke, the doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Dissolve clots or stop new clots from forming
- Thin the blood
- Control blood pressure and blood sugar
- Treat any heart problems
- Lower cholesterol levels
For hemorrhagic stroke, the doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stop or slow down the bleeding
- Work against blood thinner you are taking
- Control blood pressure
- Avoid seizures
Will physical activity be limited?
Some activities, such as driving, may be limited for your safety. Talk to your doctor about what exact limits are needed based on how your stroke affected you. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- You must quit smoking. Smoking doubles your risk of stroke.
- Do not use illegal drugs
- Keep your blood pressure under control.
- Talk to your doctor about your cholesterol and blood sugar.
- Keep your weight normal. Being too heavy raises your risk.
- Get regular exercise
- Take all blood thinning drugs exactly as ordered
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 in your skin
- Trouble moving your bowels or emptying your bladder
- 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 at home.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a stroke.
Where can I learn more?
National Stroke Association ‚
http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=EFFECT ‚
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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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚