What to Do After a Stroke: How Primary Care Can Guide Recovery

Recovering from a stroke is a challenging process, but with the support of medical professionals, patients can regain lost abilities and even prevent a second stroke. From understanding the early phases of recovery to engaging in rehabilitation, each step is crucial for regaining independence and improving quality of life post-stroke.

But it’s not just about what happens in the hospital or rehabilitation center – your primary care physician plays an essential role throughout the stroke recovery process.

“Stroke recovery is a complex, ongoing process that requires coordinated care beyond the hospital setting. As primary care providers, we play a critical role in managing long-term health, reducing risk factors, and supporting overall recovery,” said Shane Elliott, DO, primary care physician at Norman Regional Health System.

The First Days after a Stroke:

In the first few days following a stroke, your neurologist will review symptoms and lasting side-effects to diagnose your stroke. There are two types of strokes: Ischemic, where a blood clot blocks brain blood flow, and Hemorrhagic, where a blood vessel ruptures in the brain.

The American Stroke Association has identified steps your neurologist will take to diagnose a stroke:

• Review of medical history
• Physical and neurological exam
• Blood tests
• CT/MRI scan(s)

After your stroke is diagnosed, your neurologist and inpatient rehabilitation teams will develop a plan tailored to your needs. During this early stage of recovery, it’s essential to share your full medical history and any lingering symptoms.

Be sure to also discuss how the stroke may have affected your ability to perform specific work-related tasks. This information helps your neurologist coordinate with the rehabilitation team to create an even more personalized recovery plan.

What to Expect from Stroke Rehabilitation:

In most cases, any form of stroke will require some sort of rehabilitation however, the process, timeline and services vary based on the type of stroke and its lasting effects.

The rehabilitation process usually starts within 48 hours of the patient’s stabilization and often involves a full team of physical, occupational and speech therapists who work together to provide succinct recovery.

Here are some focuses of stroke rehabilitation:

• Self-Care: Helps patients relearn daily activities like eating, grooming, bathing and dressing.
• Mobility: Focuses on improving movement, including walking and safely transitioning between positions.
• Speech and Language: Aims to restore verbal communication and address language difficulties.
• Cognitive Skills: Targets memory, attention and problem-solving to support brain function.
• Social Interaction: Encourages engagement with others to rebuild confidence and communication in social settings.
• Work and School Readiness: Helps patients regain fine motor skills and other abilities needed to return to work or school.

Throughout the stages of stroke rehabilitation, you’ll work closely with your care teams to make personalized adjustments as needed.

Once your initial recovery plan is completed, you’ll be discharged to continue your recovery at home and gradually resume daily activities or work.

In some cases, you may be referred to outpatient rehabilitation several times a week to help maintain and build on the progress made during your hospital stay.

The Role of a Primary Care Physician in Stroke Care

According to the American Stroke Association, 1 in 4 stroke survivors will experience another stroke. To lower the risk of another stroke, it’s essential to manage blood pressure and any lasting neurological or heart conditions.

This is where a primary care provider plays a vital role—helping patients monitor chronic conditions, address lingering side effects, and establish a comprehensive plan for preventive care.

“Preventing a second stroke is just as important as recovering from the first. Through regular check-ups and proactive care, we help patients manage risk factors and maintain a healthier, more active life,” said Dr. Elliott.

Establishing ongoing care with a primary care physician is a key part of prevention. Primary care providers will monitor your risk factors, coordinate with specialists like neurologists and help manage your overall health to prevent future strokes.

“Primary care is about long-term healing,” said Dr. Elliot. “After a stroke, we coordinate with rehab teams and monitor progress to help patients safely regain independence.”

Primary care physicians also play an important role in improving quality of life. They can recommend helpful services, connect caregivers and families with resources and provide support throughout every stage of recovery.

Managing your care after a stroke is just as important as your initial recovery. Establishing care with a primary care provider can simplify this process, providing support and guidance as you adjust to daily life post-stroke.

At Norman Regional, we guide you through every step of your recovery—from EMSSTAT’s emergency response and our advanced emergency care facilities, to expert neurologists and comprehensive rehabilitation units, and finally, connecting you with ongoing care through a primary care physician.

As we continue Stroke Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to establish preventive care with a primary care physician.

To learn more about Norman Regional’s network of primary care providers, visit https://www.normanregional.com/services/primary-care/.

To schedule an appointment, use our new online scheduling platform, or call 405-515-5000.