In-hospital complications of stroke patients

Once a person is identified in the emergency room as a potential stroke patient, he or she is rapidly triaged and treated appropriately. Regardless of the treatment given, chances are doctors will recommend that the patient spends the next several days in the hospital. These in-hospital time is important for recovery and for further medical workup. But sometimes things don't go as expected, and complications arise.

These include conditions such as aspiration pneumonia, urinary tract infections, deep venous thromboses, pressure sores, dysphagia, and pain among others.

To avoid complications, both patients and family members can be extremely helpful in directing the attention of the medical team to any problems that arise. You can do so by speaking to the nurses and doctors about any abnormalities you or your loved one might be experiencing. You must persist. Don't be afraid to be annoying. Doctors are busy, but your health or that of your family member is by far your most important goal.

So let nurses and doctors know about things like swelling (especially in the legs), skin break-down, cough, burning pain on urination, smelly urine, difficulty swallowing, and anything else that seems abnormal during the hospital stay.

Recommended reading:
Stroke Treatments
Special Hospitals for Stroke Care
Acute Stroke Teams