Stroke Aftercare

Stroke aftercare

A stroke (cerebral infarction or cerebral hemorrhage) is a neurological emergency that is treated in the hospital during the acute phase. NeuroPraxis Kleinmachnow provides outpatient aftercare following a stroke, with the aim of preventing another stroke and supporting rehabilitation.

Symptoms of a stroke (recognition)

The following symptoms may indicate a stroke and require an immediate emergency call (112):

  • Sudden one-sided paralysis or numbness (face, arm, leg)
  • Sudden speech disturbance or difficulty understanding speech
  • Sudden visual disturbance (double vision, visual field loss)
  • Sudden severe dizziness with unsteady gait
  • Sudden very severe headache
Warning

If a stroke is suspected, call the emergency medical service immediately at 112. Every minute counts.

Causes

  • Cerebral infarction (ischemic stroke, approx. 80%) – occlusion of a cerebral vessel by a blood clot
  • Cerebral hemorrhage (hemorrhagic stroke, approx. 20%) – bleeding into the brain tissue
  • TIA (transient ischemic attack) – temporary circulatory disturbance with complete resolution of symptoms within 24 hours. A TIA is a warning sign and requires urgent neurological evaluation.

Risk factors

  • High blood pressure (most important risk factor)
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Lipid metabolism disorders
  • Smoking
  • Excess weight and lack of exercise
  • Narrowing of the carotid arteries (carotid stenosis)

Diagnostics in aftercare

  • Neurosonography (carotid duplex sonography) – ultrasound of the carotid arteries to assess vessel narrowing and plaques
  • Neurological examination – assessment of remaining deficits and rehabilitation progress
  • EEG – when epileptic seizures after stroke are suspected
  • Laboratory tests – monitoring of risk factors (blood sugar, cholesterol, coagulation values)
  • Follow-up monitoring – regular ultrasound check-ups of the carotid vessels

Treatment (secondary prevention)

Drug-based secondary prevention

  • Platelet aggregation inhibitors (e.g. ASA, Clopidogrel) – for ischemic stroke
  • Anticoagulation (e.g. Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, Edoxaban) – for atrial fibrillation
  • Statins – to lower cholesterol levels
  • Antihypertensives – optimal blood pressure control
  • Antidiabetics – for diabetes mellitus

Rehabilitation

  • Physiotherapy (motor function, gait, balance)
  • Speech therapy (speech, swallowing)
  • Occupational therapy (everyday skills, fine motor function)
  • Neuropsychology (cognitive rehabilitation)

Lifestyle changes

  • Smoking cessation
  • Regular exercise
  • Healthy diet (Mediterranean diet)
  • Weight reduction in case of excess weight
  • Stress reduction

Disease monitoring

  • Regular neurological examinations
  • Ultrasound check-ups of the carotid vessels (neurosonography)
  • Monitoring and optimization of risk factors
  • Adjustment of medication

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Last updated: 2026-07-04