After a hospital stay

After a stroke — what to watch

This card is general education, not medical advice. Your written discharge instructions and your own care team always come first. When in doubt about a serious symptom, do not wait — call 911.

Pending clinical review (v1.0) — follow your discharge instructions first.

GREEN — normal recovery

Slow, steady progress on the deficits the hospital described
Tiredness after therapy sessions
Mood swings or frustration — common and real after stroke

Keep the routine: medicines exactly on time, therapy appointments kept, swallow rules followed.

YELLOW — call today

New trouble swallowing, coughing during meals
Worsening dizziness or new falls
Signs of depression that aren't lifting
Any bleeding concern on blood thinners (easy bruising, dark stools)

Call TODAY — start at the top of the who-to-call chain below. Catching this early usually keeps it small.

RED — emergency: think F.A.S.T.

Face drooping on one side
Arm (or leg) weakness, new or suddenly worse
Speech slurred, strange, or gone
Time matters — sudden severe headache or vision loss counts too

Call 911 immediately — note the TIME symptoms started. Do not drive.

Who to call (in this order)

The home health agency on your discharge papers, if one was ordered
The doctor or clinic listed for follow-up
The hospital nurse line, if your papers list one
Still unsure — or it feels like an emergency? Call 911. Never wait on a phone call.

Sources: American Stroke Association — Stroke Symptoms (F.A.S.T.)

Talk to a Person: (432) 901-6465

All warning signs