For you, today, we have prepared the ultimate list of questions you need to ask a doctor after a stroke. In most cases, it’s hard to find the right questions for your next doctor’s appointment. Especially if you have stroke side effects such as brain fog, aphasia, and neuro fatigue. You can use this list of questions as a guide or print it out. And take it with you to your next doctor’s appointment.
List of questions you need to ask a doctor after a stroke:
- Why did the stroke happen to me? Was the main problem hypertension or high cholesterol? Or was it from something you couldn’t control? Like a hole in your heart (also known as PFO)? The more you know about your main cause, the more appropriate steps you can take in your recovery journey. Along with reducing the chances of a second stroke (in case the lifestyle changes or medication is needed).
- Which side of my brain is affected by a stroke? Understanding everything about your stroke and its mechanics allows you to know what can you expect during the recovery. Mechanics such as is it ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke? Also, the side of the brain that was affected can explain the symptoms you might be experiencing. For example, having a stroke in the left parietal or temporal lobes results in aphasia. While having a stroke in the occipital lobe may result in vision problems.
- What will rehabilitation look like for my type of stroke? We all know by now that every stroke survivor and their rehabilitation journey are different. But we can always make some assumptions based on several variables. Variables such as the cause, severity, type, and lastly location of the stroke. Neurologists may help you and give you more specific answers. Which will help you know what recovery usually looks like.
- What resources may I use? Resources for stroke patients mostly vary based on their country of origin, along with their healthcare system. Some of the useful resources might include caregivers, home therapies, and outpatient therapies. Along with some types of counseling, mental health assistance, and access to social workers. And in some cases services such as home meal delivery, house cleaners, or sitters for respite care. Stroke patient’s often don’t receive this information unless they ask their medical proffesionals.
- Where can I find support networks and groups that I can access? In today’s time, stroke networks and support groups can be find in two formats. And those can be either online or offline. Being in contact with a community of people that have experienced the same thing as you, is something that money can’t buy. It allows you to share your personal experience and grief. Along with asking questions about other survivors’ recoveries, some tips & tricks, and strategies that worked well. And of course suggestions such as adaptive equipment that they used, and doctors they liked. It also boosts your overall motivation to stay strong in your own recovery journey. And most importantly is to know that you are not alone!
- What is each of my medications for? You might also ask what are the side effects of my medicine? This might be one of the most important questions on this list. Sometimes the medication after your stroke is used to reduce the chances of another stroke. You need to know how and why to take them. Understanding the side effects of your pill therapy is key to better managing your condition. Most familiar side effects may be a feeling of nausea or dizziness.
- When and how often should I have another medical checkup? Conversations with your medical proffesionals usually happen very quickly. And you may leave without having another appointment. But it’s a must that you know when you should have a follow-up checkup. As the post-stroke recovery is mostly under the supervision of the doctors. Your doctor may also want to monitor other things. Such as your lab work results, vitals and etc… Or just to check in with you on how are you doing and adapting to your new life.
- What steps do I need to take to reduce the chance of a second stroke? Doctors’ recommendations are dictated by the underlying reason why you had a stroke in the first place. They are usually changes in your lifestyle or changes in mediation. Reducing the chances of another stroke is a large part of rehabilitation. And it’s quite helpful if your doctor is actively participating in this process!
- If I am concerned about my health, when should I call? Fear of another stroke is very common among stroke survivors. And it heavily ties with post-stroke PTSD. We suggest that you have an open conversation about all of your symptoms with a doctor. And that you together make a plan on which symptoms require medical attention. And which symptoms are expected to show during the recovery process.
- What should I do about depression and anxiety? First, we want to highlight the study results on post-stroke depression. And that it usually follows one in three stroke survivors. So we want you to know that it’s really common and normal to feel anxiety and depression. Because stroke is a traumatic experience, and having mental health problems afterward is a normal response. A psychologist can help to guide you through the best treatments for your case. Either it’s a referral for counseling, trying a new medication, or a mix of both.
Conclusion
These questions you need to ask a doctor after a stroke are structured to prepare you for your recovery journey.
If you are an old member of our website, you might already know how we end our articles. And that is by adding some more content to it!
Additional questions you need to ask a doctor after a stroke for your case might be :
- Which medical professional would you recommend to work with me?
- Am I a good candidate for some of the available clinical trials?
- What changes in my diet do I need to make?
- What foods should I avoid in the future to reduce the chances of another stroke?
Thank you for your time and for reading this article. We hope that the questions you need to ask a doctor after a stroke were valuable to you. If you need any more stroke-related information, feel free to check our work at Motus Health. And also consider subscribing to our newsletter below, to stay up to date with our monthly subscription.
