About this topic
A stroke is when the blood flow to your brain is changed. This changes how much oxygen your brain is getting. There are different ways a stroke can happen: ‚
- An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks or plugs one or more blood vessels in the brain. This stops blood flow and oxygen to a part of the brain and causes brain tissue to die.
- A hemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel breaks and bleeds into the brain. This stops normal blood flow and oxygen to the brain and causes brain tissue to be damaged and die.
- A transient ischemic attack or TIA is when the blood flow to the brain stops for a short time. The blood flow then goes back to how it was before and the brain tissue does not die.
You may have problems in many ways with your normal activities. This is based on what part of your brain is affected by the stroke. You may have problems with how you move or your balance. You may have problems with being able to talk, eat, or swallow. You may not be able to remember things because of a stroke. ‚
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
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.
- You may need help with the activities of your daily living. These are things like taking a bath and getting dressed. You may also need help to cook, clean, and move about. You may need help with taking care of your money or business affairs. You may not be able to drive after having a stroke.
- You may need changes in your home. These would make it simpler 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.
- Your caregiver must take steps to keep your home safe for you to live there. This is very 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 aide may have to help you with these.
What follow-up care is needed?
A person who has had a stroke needs to be watched closely. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Have all blood tests and all other tests done as ordered by your doctor. ‚
Rehab care may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Rehab care may 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: ‚
- Prevent blood clots
- Control blood pressure
- Lower cholesterol
- Control blood sugar if you have diabetes
- Control any heart rhythm problems
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 problems could happen?
- Your speech and memory may be affected.
- Your body or one side of your body may be paralyzed or weak. A part of your body may feel numb or have less sensation.
- You may have problems with balance and coordination.
- You may have bladder and bowel problems.
- Your swallowing and eating may be affected.
- You may have changes in your emotions, behavior, or judgment.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
These steps are very helpful to prevent this problem: ‚
- If you are a smoker, stop smoking.
- Keep your blood pressure under control.
- Talk to your doctor to about your cholesterol and blood sugar.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack or 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 heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
- 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
- Home care problems 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 at home because of my stroke.
- I can tell you what signs of a stroke are and what I will do if I have them.
Where can I learn more?
American Stroke Association ‚
http://www.strokeassociation.org/STROKEORG/AboutStroke/About-Stroke_UCM_308529_SubHomePage.jsp ‚
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Stroke?open ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/stroke/prevention.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
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. ‚