The doctor may give you a medicine to break down blood clots. These medicines must be given within 3 hours after the stroke started. They can make symptoms go away very quickly and prevent permanent injury.

After a stroke, you need to be watched and cared for. You will likely stay in the hospital for a few days. You will need bed rest. You may need an IV and oxygen. You will need treatment for whatever caused the stroke.

You will start a rehabilitation program. The program may start while you are in the hospital or a nursing facility. It may last for weeks or months after you leave the hospital. The program is made up of:

• Physical therapy. It helps you get back your muscle strength. It teaches you ways to move safely even if some of your muscles are weak or paralyzed.
• Occupational therapy. It will help you relearn how to eat, dress, and take care of yourself.
• Speech therapy. It may help you if have problems relearning to swallow, speak, or understand words.