Your child is recovering from a hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke. After leaving the hospital, most kids who have had a stroke need ongoing care to help them get better. Care will include visits with their neurologist and hematologist. Your child may need more occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. Going to all appointments and following instructions are important parts of keeping your child healthy.

• Give any medicine as prescribed by the health care provider.
• Do not give ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or store brands) or aspirin.
• If your child is uncomfortable:
  • Use prescription pain medicines as directed. Be sure to ask the health care provider or pharmacist before also using acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Panadol®, or store brands). Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Using two medicines that contain acetaminophen could cause your child to get too much.
• Your child may have trouble getting around or seeing clearly. To prevent falls, clear clutter off the floors and make sure rugs are not loose.

Your child:

• has pain that is not helped with medicine
• has trouble with therapy exercises
• seems moody or depressed

Your child has signs of another stroke, such as:

• a seizure
• a bad headache, especially if also vomiting
• sudden weakness or loss of feeling in one area of the body
• dizziness or trouble walking or crawling
• drooling or trouble speaking
• blurred vision or trouble seeing things
• trouble breathing or long pauses in breathing
• confusion
• sudden changes in mood or behavior
• collapsing or fainting 

Call 911. Do not try to take your child to the ER. Let first responders know your child has had a stroke before.

Can my child get a stroke again? It is possible for some children who have had a stroke to have another. Your child's health care providers will talk with you about the risk of a second stroke.

Will my child feel different after a stroke? After a stroke, some children can feel sad, angry, or depressed if they can't do the things they used to do. A long stay in the hospital away from friends can also make a child feel lonely. If your child shows some of these signs, talk with your child's health care provider.

How long will my child need treatment? How long your child needs treatment depends on how they're doing when they leave the hospital. The care team will guide you during the treatment period. Keep in mind that children recover more quickly from a stroke than adults.