Stroke Patients Prematurely Stop Taking Medication

If you have suffered from a stroke, there is a strong likelihood that you will be out of work for a long period of time. Long-term disability benefits can help cover your financial burden during this period.

A new study published by the Archives of Neurology indicates that nearly 25% of stroke patients prematurely stop taking medication that helps to prevent cardiovascular events. This occurs within just 3 months of an individual being hospitalized because of an acute stroke.

A telephone interview was conducted with 2,598 patients who had suffered from a stroke. Many of those individuals were prescribed drugs to prevent clotting, lower cholesterol and blood pressure. However, only 75.5% of the patients were following doctor's orders and continuing to take their medication.

Some of the reasons that stroke patients gave for discontinuing their medication include:

• Lack of insurance;
• Didn't understand why they were prescribed the drug; and
• Concerns about side effects.

The need to continue taking prescribed medication after suffering from a stroke is compelling. Many stroke patients are at risk of another stroke occurring, which can be alleviated by taking prescribed medication.

Every year in the United States approximately 180,000 people suffer from a stroke. Reducing recurrence rates and hospital stays could be helped with stroke patients continuing their medication.

This study indicates a need for hospitals and doctors to better explain to stroke patients the importance of taking their medication.

If you have suffered a stroke or any other severe mental or physical disability, you may be eligible for long-term disability benefits. Contact a long-term disability lawyer who can help you determine eligibility.

The long-term disability attorneys at the Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg have experience with cross-examining medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your case. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.