Stroke Care Team
While you are in the hospital and after, it can be challenging to understand who is on your stroke care team and what their roles are. Here are some of the healthcare professionals on your medical care team and how they will help.
Who provides emergency medical care for a stroke?
Emergency Medicine Clinicians
Emergency medicine clinicians check the patient quickly in the emergency room to determine the medical problem and provide initial medical care.
Vascular Neurologists
Vascular neurologists are clinicians that specialize in stroke medical care. They check the patient’s symptoms and brain scans to figure out what kind of stroke the person is having and decide the best treatment. They direct teams for stroke-intensive care and patient care while in the hospital.
Neurosurgeons
A neurosurgeon performs brain surgery or procedures that are minimally invasive by using a catheter to give stroke treatment.
Neurointerventional Radiologists
A neurointerventional radiologist treats strokes using minimally invasive procedures that do not require surgery.
Diagnostic Radiologists
A diagnostic radiologist looks at brain scans from tests like CTs or MRIs to figure out what kind of stroke it is and help choose the best treatment. They usually don’t meet with the patient.
Stroke Nurses
Stroke nurses work with the full medical team to administer critical treatments, monitor vital signs, and to coordinate stroke medical care during and after stroke.
Who provides clinical care in the hospital after emergency surgery or treatment for a stroke?
Critical Care Clinicians
A critical care clinician—sometimes called an intensivist—provides specialized care while the patient is recovering in the hospital.
Pharmacists
Pharmacists make sure the patient gets the right dose of medicine, including through an IV.
Who provides clinical care and rehabilitation treatment after a stroke?
Primary Care Physicians
Primary care physicians manage and coordinate the long-term care of patients, including the incorporation of rehabilitation programs according to the needs of each patient. They are also responsible for general health care and for advising the patient how to prevent a future stroke; for example, controlling blood pressure or diabetes and eliminating risk factors.
Neuropsychologists
A neuropsychologist helps patients who experience problems with thinking, memory, and emotions after having a stroke.
Physiatrists
Physiatrists plan how the patient will get better and what kind of therapy they need to relearn to do their daily activities. They assume responsibility after the acute stage has passed, and specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation Nurses
Rehabilitation nurses specialize in helping stroke survivors with their disabilities and adjusting to life after stroke. They also help survivors manage health problems that affect stroke, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and provide training for families and caregivers.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists help the patient move after the stroke, stay steady, and get stronger.
Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists help patients relearn everyday skills like eating, bathing, and getting dressed. They also teach ways to stay safe at home and return to work.
Speech-Language Pathologists/Speech Therapists
Speech-language pathologists or speech therapists assist survivors with problems related to speech, writing, reading or understanding words (aphasia). They help with relearning how to use language, and they develop alternative means of communication. They also help with swallowing issues (dysphagia).
Dietitians
Dieticians teach survivors about healthy eating and special diets, such as low in sodium, low fat and low calories.
Social Workers
Social workers help survivors make decisions about rehabilitation programs, living arrangements, insurance and home support services.
Case Managers
Case managers help plan for when the patient leaves the hospital, including what care or support they’ll need at home.
Recreation Therapists
Recreation therapists help with strategies to improve the thinking and movement skills needed to join in recreational activities.
