Stroke treatment: Hospital care

Stroke treatment begins in the hospital.

Most patients who have had a stroke will need to stay in the hospital for a period of time.

Stroke survivors and family members may find this experience overwhelming. However, hospital staff is there to help you and your family. Be sure to ask questions and talk about your concerns.

The purposes of this hospital care, or acute care stay, are to:

make sure your condition is caused by a stroke and not another medical problem
decide the type and location of the stroke and how serious it is (you may have tests of your heart and blood vessels)
start treatment right away to keep the stroke from getting worse and to improve your chance of recovery
monitor heart function (some strokes may be linked to irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation). If this caused your stroke, it will be treated.)
monitor blood pressure closely and treat if needed
prevent or treat side affects (such as bowel or bladder problems or bed sores)
keep you from having another stroke (using treatments such as surgery, medicines or reducing your risk factor)
start a neurological rehabilitation program if needed
watch for swallowing problems (You may have to perform a swallowing test or get your nutrition in different ways, such as through a tube. Any swallowing problems will be treated.)