About this topic
A stroke happens when blood flow does not get to a part of your brain. Then the brain cells in this area start to die. There are different ways a stroke can happen: ‚
- A blood clot may block or plug one or more of the vessels that carry blood to the brain. This is an ischemic stroke.
- Blood may leak out of a broken blood vessel in the brain. This is a hemorrhagic stroke.
You may have problems in different areas of your body, based on where the stroke occurs in the brain. Problems could include not being able to move your arms or legs, poor memory, or problems talking or eating. ‚
In a right-side stroke, the problem is lack of blood flow to the right side of your brain. This part of your brain controls the left side of your body. ‚
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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 to make it easier for you to move around or do normal activities. Changes may include ramps for a wheelchair or railings to hold when you walk.
- You may have changes in your behavior, judgment, or memory. A caregiver may need to take steps to keep your home safe by making sure you can get around without hurting yourself. A caregiver may need to stay with you for safety reasons.
- You may need exercise on those parts of your body that have been affected. Your caregiver or an aide may help you with these exercises.
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.
- A rehabilitation or rehab team of staff experts in helping those with stroke will help you slowly get back to doing more for yourself. This staff will help you:
- Move your muscles to help you regain as much movement as possible
- Regain everyday tasks and do self-care
- Improve your swallowing and help you with memory or any problems with speech.
- Learn to control your emotions and adjust to life after a stroke
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 problem, like atrial fibrillation
- Lower cholesterol levels
For hemorrhagic stroke, the doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Stop or slow down the bleeding
- Work against any 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.
- Keep your blood pressure under control.
- Talk to your doctor to about your cholesterol and blood sugar.
- Keep your weight normal. Being overweight raises your risk.
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
- 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 signs of a stroke are and what I will do if I have them.
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚