FAQs: Life after stroke
What long-term problems can stroke cause?
Some people will experience ongoing problems after their stroke. These problems may be different for each individual, but long-term problems may include difficulties with ongoing tiredness, movement, physical pain, emotional problems, difficulties with speech, memory problems, difficulties swallowing and visual difficulties.
Accessing relevant information and guidance, rehabilitation therapies, treatment and support can help you to manage long-term problems so that you can lead as full a life as possible. We have publications on all the common problems which can occur after stoke. These provide information about the relevant treatment, therapies and support. Our page on how health professionals can help also provides a description of the different therapies which can help.
Can I drive after I’ve had a stroke?
If you have had a stroke or TIA, you are not allowed to drive for a month after the attack. After that time, if you’ve made a full recovery and your doctor (GP or consultant) agrees you are fit to drive, you can get behind the wheel again.
If you are still recovering after a month, then you may need to tell the DVLA what has happened. The situation is different if you drive a heavy goods vehicle, or if you have had a seizure following your stroke.
Our factsheet Driving after stroke tells you what to do next and gives you useful addresses if you want to find out more about having a driving assessment or vehicle adaptations.
If someone has a holiday booked but they have a stroke shortly before they are due to leave, is it OK to still go?
The answer to this does, of course, depend on how well the person has recovered after their stroke. If it has been several weeks and the person has made a significant recovery, they may find that a holiday helps them relax and take things easy.
But if a person has not made a significant recovery, they may be too ill to travel, or they may find that they are simply too tired.
If you have any specific questions about your health or fitness, have a chat with your GP. Read our Holidays after stroke factsheet for more information.
Will I find it hard to get holiday insurance after a stroke?
If you are finding it difficult to find holiday insurance (companies don’t have to provide cover for you), you may like to try the Stroke Association Insurance Services, a scheme we have developed with a leading insurance broker: Heath Lambert.
They aim to be sympathetic and provide a range of financial policies, including insurance cover. You can contact them on 01603 828396 to talk through the cover that you are looking for.