THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEING A NEUROLOGIST AFTER A HEART STROKE

Strokes are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Each year, nearly 800,000 Americans have a stroke, and more than 130,000 die from them. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die. The most common symptoms of a stroke are confusion, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, and blurred vision.

Stroke survivors often need long-term care to recover. While initial treatment after a stroke is vital, follow-up care with a neurologist is also important. Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, including stroke. They can provide ongoing care and support to stroke survivors and help them regain as much function as possible. In addition, neurologists can help identify any lingering effects of stroke and provide advice on how to manage them. For all these reasons, it is important for stroke survivors to see a neurologist after leaving the hospital. With the right care, stroke survivors can often make a good recovery and return to a better level of function.

The neurologist will monitor your condition and make sure that you are receiving the best possible care. They can also offer advice on lifestyle changes that may help you recover from your stroke. They can help assess the damage caused by the stroke and develop a treatment plan to help improve function and reduce the risk of another stroke.

Some of the treatments that a neurologist may recommend include:

-Medications to thin the blood and prevent clots from forming

-Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility

-Occupational therapy to help with everyday tasks

– Speech therapy to help with communication skills

-Angioplasty or surgery to open blocked arteries

Having a skilled neurologist coordinating your care helps ensure you regain as much function as possible. Because neurologists are specially trained to understand brain function and anatomy, as well as different types of strokes, they can help you understand what caused your stroke and develop steps to reduce the risk of a future stroke.

In addition to a neurologist, your care team may also include a psychologist since many patients experience depression after a stroke. Rehabilitation specialists providing care may include physical, occupational, and speech therapists.  The neurologist can work with each member of the care team to make sure you are getting the exact services you need, monitor your progress, and adjust medications if needed.

The neurologists at THE BRAIN CENTER are specially trained in the care and treatment of stroke patients. To learn more information about how our neurology team can help you recover from a stroke, call us at our office at: (786) 565-8735