At Home After a Stroke

Medications

After a stroke, your doctor may prescribe medication to help you heal. Take your medication exactly as prescribed, and make sure you and your caregivers understand how to take any new medications. Report any side effects to your doctor.

Blood thinners. These keep blood clots from forming and can prevent another stroke.

Blood pressure medication. If your stroke was due to bleeding, controlling your blood pressure is essential.

Heart rhythm medications. Atrial fibrillation, the most common abnormal heart rhythm, increases stroke risk.

Cholesterol medication. Lowering cholesterol can prevent your arteries from clogging. Cholesterol medication called statins may lower the risk of a second stroke even if your cholesterol level is normal. 

Diabetes medication. If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar is essential to protect your blood vessels. 

Pain medication. After a stroke, some people experience nerve pain, burning sensations, or muscle aches. 

Reduce your risk of another stroke

Certain health and lifestyle conditions put you at higher risk of a second stroke. To lower your risk:

• Quit smoking

• Limit alcohol

• Avoid illicit substances

• Control blood sugar

• Be physically active

• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight

• Eat a healthy diet 

• Avoid processed foods

Symptoms after a stroke

There are many symptoms you might experience after a stroke. Your healthcare team can help you overcome many of these challenges through therapy and medication, so speak up if you experience any of the symptoms below. And know you are not alone; connecting with a support group to share your experience can make a big difference!

Impaired speech. You may have trouble forming words or thinking of the right word.

Swallowing difficulty. Problems with chewing and swallowing solids or liquids can sometimes happen.

Pain. You may experience body aches or burning sensations.

Muscle stiffness. Uncontrolled muscle movements (called spasticity), stiffness, or cramping sometimes occur after a stroke.

Problems with thinking. You may have issues with your memory, paying attention, learning new things, and making decisions.

Emotional symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you experience depression, anxiety, grief, or difficulty controlling or expressing your emotions. 

Prevent Complications

After a stroke, you may have trouble moving, and when you can’t move easily, it can lead to more problems. The more you move, the more it helps reduce your risk of developing other health issues. Physical therapy plays a big role in your recovery, for this reason. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to help reduce your chances of:

Contractures. These happen when a muscle, ligament, tendon, or part of your skin tightens permanently. Frequent stretching, massage, and movement can help. 

Pressure sores. Skin can break down due to pressure on your tissues over time. This can happen when you sit or lie in the same position for long periods. Change position every two hours. Placing pads around bony places on your body can help, too. 

Pneumonia. Trouble swallowing can cause you to breathe in food and liquid. This is called aspiration and it can cause pneumonia. Moving less can also raise your risk of pneumonia. 

Blood clots. Blood can pool in your extremities and cause blood clots. Your doctor may prescribe medication or compression stockings to help. 

Urinary tract infection (UTI). Using a urinary catheter puts you at high risk of a UTI. Talk to your care team about lower-risk options.