Life After Stroke

A stroke can occur in any area of the brain and may affect different parts of the body depending on where it occurs. If a stroke occurs in the right side of the brain, you may see symptoms on the left side of the body. Similarly, if a stroke occurs in the left side of the brain, you may see symptoms on the right side of the body.

Before you are discharged from the hospital, social workers can help you find services to continue your long-term recovery.

Stroke rehabilitation is important to help you regain as much function and quality of life after a stroke as possible. It’s important to begin rehabilitation right away. It is also important to work with your care team to find out the reasons for your stroke and take steps to prevent another stroke from happening.

Northwestern Medicine is home to highly trained physicians, nurses and rehabilitation therapists who specialize in stroke care. We create individualized treatment plans that focus on your needs.

Our advanced care includes:

• Advanced Stroke Certification. Northwestern Medicine offers eight hospitals accredited by The Joint Commission as providing advanced levels of stroke care, including two Comprehensive Stroke Centers.
• Telestroke. We offer expansive telestroke network to provide vascular neurology consultations within seven minutes.
• Mobile Stroke Unit. The Mobile Stroke Unit is a specialized ambulance equipped with tools and staff normally only found inside a hospital. This unit is the first of its kind in Illinois, and one of the first in the world.