Preventing Another Stroke
An ischemic stroke occurs when a blockage in a blood vessel interrupts the supply of oxygen to the brain. It often occurs as a result of a blood clot in an artery. As a stroke survivor, you should be followed closely by your primary care physician or a neurologist. An important goal for you and your physician is to prevent a second stroke. The physician will most likely prescribe blood thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin) and sometimes both. It is very important to follow the prescribed dosage and directions. Your physician will monitor this treatment, which is intended to prevent any new clots from forming.
If you or a family member think you are having another stroke, dial 911 immediately and the ambulance will take you to the nearest emergency room.
Recovering From a Stroke
Treatment for a stroke begins in the hospital “acute care” setting. Some people have a spontaneous recovery from their stroke and do not require rehabilitation. Others will require rehabilitation, which is an important part of the treatment after stroke. There are several kinds of rehabilitation programs for a stroke so your physician, family and the hospital staff will help you decide which rehabilitation program is right for you. Some families and patients are disappointed when rehabilitation is not recommended at the time of discharge from the hospital.
Stroke effects are different depending on what part of the brain is affected. Strokes can be large or small. When a part of the brain is damaged, consequences such as physical or mental function are altered or lost. Some of the following problems may occur as a result of a stroke:
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Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
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Loss of sensation, numbness or pain
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Loss of balance or coordination
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Loss of bowel and bladder control
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Complete or partial blindness
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Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
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Speech difficulties or inability to speak (aphasia)
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Memory and thought difficulties
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Tiring easily
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Ignoring things on one side of the body (neglect or inattention)
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Depression
Depression
Early therapy helps recovery of lost function. It is the goal of rehabilitation to help recover as much function as possible. It is normal to feel sad about loss of independence or mobility that make life after a stroke more difficult. Some stroke survivors however, have overwhelming feelings of sadness. They express suicidal feelings and thoughts and need to be seen as soon as possible by a professional. Depression can be difficult to diagnose in a stroke survivor due to communication problems.
Some of the signs of depression to watch out for include:
Early recognition of symptoms of depression is important. Depression can be treated with anti-depressants and or psychotherapy. Support groups in the community can also help family and survivors cope with disability issues that result from stroke.
Working together will help in adjusting to changes in either activities of daily living or lifestyle. Adjustments to the physical challenges and/or emotional issues can cause stress to the stroke survivor as well as the caregiver. It will take time to adjust to the effects of the stroke. Caregivers need to take breaks and it is important to ask friends and other family members to help at certain times. Recovery needs to be taken one day at a time.
When a person is too debilitated or weak after a stroke, they often require a period of time at home or in a skilled nursing facility. Once they recover enough strength, they are able to begin a rehabilitation program later on.
For more information on stroke recovery, visit the American Stroke Association at http://www.strokeassociation.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3018616.