Discharge Instructions following your Stroke/TIA
Before you leave
the hospital we would like to make sure that you have your questions
about strokes and TIAs (transient ischemic attacks)
answered and know how to get in touch if you have questions once you
get home.
Strokes/TIAs
You should have received written information on
strokes and TIAs, including risk factors and warning signs. If you haven’t
received this information or if you have more questions, talk to your
nurse.
Medications
You should have written prescriptions for all the medications
you need to take after discharge. If you don’t have
these prescriptions or if you have any questions about your
medications ask your doctor or nurse before you leave.
Coumadin
If you are on Coumadin (Warfarin), follow-up is especially important.
You need frequent, regular blood tests to check your PT/INR to make
sure that the medication dose is not too low or too high. If you have
been told that you will be followed by the Anti-Coagulation Service
at University of Michigan you should expect a call within 2 days of
your discharge, or on Monday if you were discharged on Friday or the
weekend. If you do not receive a call within this time period call
the Anti-Coagulation Clinic at 734-763-3570. If your own primary
care (family) doctor is going to regulate your Coumadin, you need to
call within one day of your discharge (or on Monday if it is the weekend)
to discuss follow-up. If you are not sure who should be following-up,
discuss this with your doctor before your discharge.
Appointments
Unless you have been told otherwise, you should have a follow-up
appointment in the Cerebrovascular Disorder (Stroke) Clinic in the Neurology
Department in 6-8 weeks. If this was not scheduled before your discharge
and you have not heard from the Clinic within one week after discharge
call the appointment line at 734-936-9020. If you have tests scheduled
after your discharge, talk to your doctor about how you will get the results.
Resources
If you would like more information about strokes and TIAs there
are a number of good resources. The American Stroke Association (a
division of the American Heart Association) has a “Stroke Warm
Line” at 800-553-6321 for stroke and stroke support information.
The National Stroke Association at 800-787-6537 also has reliable
information about strokes. Both organizations have informative web
sites,
The American Stroke Association and the National Stroke Association.
Questions
If you have more questions after discharge you can call the
Neurology Clinic at 734-936-9010 (Monday through Friday 8 AM to 5 PM)
or call 734-936-6267 and ask for the Neurology resident on-call if
you have urgent questions.
Reminder
If you are having symptoms of stroke/TIA (sudden numbness or
weakness, sudden confusion or difficulty speaking, sudden trouble seeing,
sudden dizziness or loss of balance, or sudden, severe headache) you
need to call 911.
Information provided by UMHS 4A Nursing and Department of Neurosurgery, May 2004
