Stroke and TIA Recovery

New stroke warning signs (FAST): Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911 — even if you’ve had a stroke before.
Call 911

Stroke recovery support

Recovery looks different for everyone, and it continues for months, sometimes years. The right rehabilitation team and consistent medication are what protect you from another stroke.

Your first follow-up, within 7 days of leaving the hospital, is one of the most protective things you can do. This is when your secondary prevention plan gets fine-tuned based on what type of stroke you had.

FAST: recognize the signs, right now

If you or someone you’re with has any of these signs — new, right now — this isn’t a check-in, it’s an emergency.

F — Face drooping on one side?

Yes
No

A — Arm weakness or numbness on one side?

Yes
No

S — Speech difficulty, slurred or hard to understand?

Yes
No

Sudden confusion, severe headache, dizziness, or loss of balance?

Yes
No

This is a recognition reminder, not a diagnosis. Any single “Yes” above is reason enough to call 911 — you don’t need all four.

Treatment and rehabilitation options

For context, not a recommendation — your neurologist will help choose what fits your situation.

Treatment type What it does When it’s used
Anticoagulants / antiplatelets Prevent blood clots that cause stroke Based on your specific stroke type — your team will determine which
High-intensity statins Lower cholesterol, stabilize plaque Especially for atherosclerotic strokes; many other patients too
Blood pressure medications Lower blood pressure Essential for all stroke patients
Physical therapy Restores motor function and balance Most stroke patients
Speech-language pathology Restores communication and swallowing function Patients with speech or swallowing difficulty
Cognitive rehabilitation Restores cognitive function Patients with cognitive changes after stroke
About medication information here

The information here describes how a class of medications generally works and what to discuss with your provider or pharmacist. It is not a prescription, a recommendation of a specific drug or dose, or instructions to start, stop, or change any medication. Decisions about medications belong to you and your prescribing clinician.

Building your care team

Neurologist
Manages secondary stroke prevention
Rehabilitation physician
Coordinates rehabilitation across PT, OT, and speech therapy
Physical therapist
Motor function, balance, and walking
Speech-language pathologist
Communication and swallowing support
Your pharmacist
Multiple medications post-stroke — medication review is essential
Mental health provider
Post-stroke depression and anxiety are common and treatable
Just discharged after a stroke? Being proactive about your follow-up, within 7 days, is one of the most protective things you can do. Our Recovery Support hub walks through the full 30-day plan.

Ready to find care?

Search for a neurologist or rehabilitation program near you.

Find care near me

This is a recognition tool, not a diagnosis tool.

SynquUp does not diagnose stroke. This page helps you recognize patterns that warrant urgent or emergency care. If your situation matches the patterns described, the right next step is the emergency action shown — not more questions, not waiting, not a SynquUp follow-up. If you are not sure, treat the situation as urgent and contact emergency services.

SynquUp is a patient-directed navigation and education platform. SynquUp is not a healthcare provider. The information here does not diagnose, treat, or replace care from your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other licensed clinician. SynquUp does not make clinical decisions for you. If something is wrong now, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. If you are thinking about harming yourself or someone else, call or text 988.

New stroke signs (FAST): Call 911
Emergency: 911
Mental health crisis: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

This page reflects general educational information, not an assessment of your specific condition. Always follow the plan given by your own care team.