Life After a Stroke: How a Neurologist Can Help
A stroke can be a life altering event that requires weeks or months of recovery. Having a skilled neurologist coordinating your care helps ensure you regain as much function as possible. Because neurologists are specially trained to understand brain function and anatomy, as well as different types of strokes, they can help you understand what caused your stroke and develop steps to reduce the risk of a future stroke.
Questions to Ask Your Neurologist
It’s often hard to take in information during a hospital stay, so it’s important to ask key questions at your first scheduled neurology appointment. You may want to ask a family member or close friend to come with you to help take notes or listen for key information.
1. What caused my stroke? Two different problems can lead to a stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs if the blood supply to one part of the brain is interrupted, often by a blood clot. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs if a blood vessel in the brain bursts. With both types of strokes, brain cells die. The death of the brain cells affects body function, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, loss of coordination, a severe headache, numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, or difficulty with vision.
2. Do I need more rehabilitation services? Depending on how your stroke affected you, you may need weeks of rehabilitation to help regain coordination for functions like walking, reaching, swallowing, or talking. You may also need therapy for fine-motor skills related to the use of your hands. Ask your doctor what goals are realistic to achieve in your specific situation.
3. What can I do to reduce my risk of another stroke? Your doctor may prescribe stroke medications, changes to your diet, or exercise. If high blood pressure contributed to your stroke, you may also need mediation to control your blood pressure.
The Care Team
In addition to a neurologist, your care team may also include a psychologist since many patients experience depression after a stroke. Rehabilitation specialists providing care may include physical, occupational, and speech therapists. The neurologist can work with each member of the care team to make sure you are getting the exact services you need, monitor your progress, and adjust medications if needed.
Find a Neurologist Today
The neurologists at LeBauer HealthCare are specially trained in the care and treatment of stroke patients. To learn more information about how our neurology team can help you recover from a stroke, call us at our office on Wendover Avenue in Greensboro, NC, at 336-832-3070.
