About Stroke Care
Stroke is a neurological emergency caused by interruption of blood flow to the brain or bleeding within the brain. Early recognition and rapid hospital assessment are essential, followed by careful prevention and recovery planning.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. A neurological review is useful when symptoms are persistent, recurrent, progressive or difficult to explain.
When should you consult a neurologist?
- Any new FAST warning sign: Face, Arm, Speech, Time
- Sudden one-sided weakness or numbness
- Sudden speech or vision change
- Sudden severe balance problem
- Symptoms that improve within minutes or hours, which may represent a TIA
- New neurological symptoms in a person with vascular risk factors
Evaluation & Diagnosis
Testing is selected according to the clinical picture rather than using the same investigations for every patient.
Urgent neurological examination
CT or MRI brain depending on the clinical situation
Blood vessel imaging when indicated
Assessment of blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and heart rhythm
Evaluation for the likely cause of stroke or TIA
Treatment & Management
Emergency referral and acute stroke treatment when eligible
Medicines to reduce future stroke risk
Control of blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol
Rehabilitation planning for movement, speech or swallowing problems
Long-term secondary prevention and follow-up