Know Your Rights
Understanding Your Condition
Communicating with Healthcare Providers
Rehabilitation & Recovery
Support Systems
100

This is the right to participate in decisions about your care. 

Informed Consent

100

This occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced.

Stroke

100

If you don’t understand something your doctor or healthcare provider says, you can ask them to do this.

Explain it again in simpler terms

100

This type of therapist helps stroke and TBI patients regain daily living skills, like dressing and eating.

Occupational Therapist

100

This person can help you navigate your healthcare, communicate with providers, and access necessary resources.

Patient Advocate

200

If you feel you aren't getting the care you need, you can ask for this type of external review from another healthcare professional. 

Second Opinion

200

Traumatic brain injury is most commonly caused by this type of accident.

Falls

200

One great way to ensure your healthcare team addresses all your concerns during an appointment.

Write down questions/concerns beforehand

200

Exercise and physical activity are important in stroke recovery. You can ask this professional to help design a safe exercise program.

Physical Therapist

200

It’s important to join this type of group to connect with others who have experienced similar injuries.

Support Group

300

The law that protects patient privacy and ensures access to your own medical records.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 

300

This condition, often following a stroke, causes difficulties in understanding or producing speech and language.

Aphasia

300

A way that you can advocate for yourself by keeping this written record of your symptoms, progress, and treatments.

Health journal / health diary

300

This professional helps patients regain their speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing abilities.

Speech-Language Pathologist

300

After a stroke or TBI, you may need assistance with transportation or getting groceries. You can advocate for this kind of community service.

Home / Community Support

400

This right guarantees that you can legally say no to any treatment even if healthcare providers recommend it. 

The right to refuse treatment. 

400

A brain injury or stroke can impact this cognitive skill, which involves solving problems or making decisions.

Executive Functioning

400

You have the right to have this person present during medical appointments to help with communication.

Family member or support person

400

When working with a care team, it’s important to set these to measure your progress and stay motivated.

Therapy/Recovery Goals

400

This term refers to the family members, friends, and professionals who help a patient through recovery.

Support network / support system