What happens in the days following a stroke?

The first few hours and days after a stroke, the patient is at great risk of having another stroke. Stroke patients are also very susceptible to serious complications that can include seizures, brain swelling, and pneumonia. It will take time to assess how much damage was done by the stroke. Although the brain will begin to adapt and change its way of functioning to accommodate the loss of some of its parts, it can take a long time. The patient, with the assistance of a stroke care team, will begin the recovery process, which will vary depending on the nature and severity of the stroke.