8/18/2019 Stroke Patient Info

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Stroke Care Program

Stroke (CVA or Cerebral Vascular Accident)

Patient Information

General information:

Know The 2 Types Of Stroke:

1. Ischemic Stroke is caused by a blocked blood

vessel

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke is caused by bleeding into

the brain

Risk Factors for Stroke:

• High blood pressure

• Tobacco use

• Diabetes

• High blood cholesterol

• Carotid or other artery disease

• Atrial fibrillation

• Heart disease

• Physical inactivity

• Obesity

How To Prevent Stroke:

• Don’t smoke! Take advantage of our smoking

cessation packet. It contains hints and resources

that can help you quit

• Control your blood pressure: Take medications as

prescribed, eat low sodium diet. Have your bloodpressure checked frequently. Keep a log of your

blood pressure by date and time.

• Manage your diabetes: exercise, eat heart

healthy diet, take medications as prescribed,

monitor blood sugars on a regular basis

(recommended by physician)

• Eat a “heart health” diet: reduce salt, fat,

cholesterol and increase fiber.

• Be active l Incorporate physical activity in to your

daily routine most days of the week 

• Take rest periods daily.• Ask your doctor about when you may drive.

Complications Following A Stroke Include:

• Physical weakness

• Mobility limitations

• Speech changes

• Swallowing difficulty

• Behavior or mood changes

• Depression

• Sexual dysfunction

• Safety concerns: Falls and driving

What’s next after suffering a stroke?

 The brain compensates for a stroke ... the brain

reorganizes its own function. A region of the brain

may take over part of the function of a region that

was damaged by a stroke. That is why rehabilitationis important after a stroke.

Discharge plan (please circle):

• Inpatient rehabilitation unit

• Home with support with ongoing nursing and

therapy support

• Assisted living facilities

• Adult family home

• Long term care facility

• Nursing and therapy support (please circle):

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy• Rehabilitation physician and/or nurse

• Speech language services

• Therapeutic recreation

• Social worker

What changes do I have to make at home?

- THINK SAFETYStairs:

• Keep stairs clear of clutter

• Don’t wear socks or slippers on stairs

• Install handrails on both sides of the stairs• Avoid throw rugs or use nonskid backing on rugs

Bathroom:

• Install and use grab bars around toilet and

shower/bath.

• Line bottom of tub with non-skid mats.

DATE: _____________ TIME: ______

If you are on medications after discharge from the hospital we have listed them on another page called the MEDICATION RECONCILIATION LIST,

Keep your LIST up to date, When you return for a medical appointment or hospitalization ‘It will help us take care of you

8/18/2019 Stroke Patient Info

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Stroke Care Program

• Avoid using oils and creams in the bath

Bedroom:

• Arrange furniture to provide for clear walking areas

• Decrease clutter on floor

• Keep a flashlight or night light near the bed to avoid

stumbling through the dark 

Kitchen:

• Wipe up spills right away

• Avoid using step stools

• Keep a fire extinguisher that is within easy reach in

the kitchen• Move often used items within easy reach

Outside:

• Have adequate lighting in your garage to avoid

falling over items

• Return all tools to their rack or hook 

• All entryway and walkways should be well lighted

• Repair cracked or broken walkways

• Keep snow and ice cleared from walkways

• Paint outside steps with a mixture of sand and paint

to provide non-slip tread traction.

Emergency tips:• Have a list of emergency numbers listed near the

phone or program a cordless phone with emergency

numbers

• Have a friend or relative call you at a planned time

every day and develop a plan of action if you cannot

be contacted.

Call 9-1-1 Immediately If You Or Someone You

Are With Has:• Sudden numbness or weakness of their face, arm or

leg

• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or

understanding what is said

• Sudden change in vision in one or both eyes

• Sudden difficulty in walking

• Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination

• Sudden severe headache with an unknown cause

• ***Important to note the time that the symptomsbegan.

Support Groups and Resources:

• Stroke information line: 1-888-4-STROKE

• American Stroke Association: www.strokeassociation.

org

• National Stroke Association: www.stroke.org

• American heart association: www.aha.org; 206-632-

6881 or 1-800-562-6718

DATE: _____________ TIME: ______

If you are on medications after discharge from the hospital we have listed them on another page called the MEDICATION RECONCILIATION LIST,

Keep your LIST up to date, When you return for a medical appointment or hospitalization ‘It will help us take care of you

Stroke (CVA or Cerebral Vascular Accident)

Patient Information cont.