Job Hazards

Stroke Questions

Similar to heart attacks, strokes can be very unpredictable. This can be cause for concern, especially among older people who have a history of stroke in their family. If you have concerns about suffering a stroke, it is a good idea to compile a list of questions for the next time you have a doctor's visit. Here are some recommendations for your inquiry regarding strokes:

• What are the chances that I will suffer a stroke?
• Are there specific symptoms that I should watch out for that may indicate that I am having a stroke?
• How can I tell if I am the victim of a silent stroke?
• Can I undergo any tests that would be able to detect if have had a stroke? If so, what kind of preparation is involved?
• What kind of tests will you administer after I have suffered a stroke? What type of information will the exams gather?
• What kind of stroke did I have? How severe was the brain damage? If there was brain damage, will it be temporary or permanent?
• What kind of treatment options do I have?
• Is any medicine I'm taking or health issues I have going to disrupt my treatments or going to impact the probability that I will have a stroke?
• Do you suggest that I enroll in physical, occupational, or speech therapy?
• What can I do to prevent strokes in the future?

In the meantime, there are many resources on the Internet that may be able to help you find general answers to some of these questions. However, your physician knows you best, so he or she will be the only one that can provide information regarding your specific situation.