If you think someone is having a stroke, call 000 immediately. Do not wait, and do not book an appointment. Stroke is a medical emergency and early treatment saves brain tissue.
Signs of stroke can be remembered as FAST:
A transient ischaemic attack causes stroke symptoms that resolve, often within minutes. Because symptoms disappear, TIAs are easy to dismiss. They should not be. A TIA is a warning that a stroke may follow, and the risk is highest in the days immediately afterwards. Prompt assessment substantially reduces that risk.
The stroke and TIA service at Canberra Neurology provides assessment for people who have had a stroke or TIA, with the aim of establishing why it happened and preventing another one.
Once the likely cause is identified, we develop a prevention plan with you. Depending on the findings this may include medication to reduce clotting, blood pressure and cholesterol management, treatment of atrial fibrillation, referral for surgical assessment where a narrowed carotid artery is found, and support with the risk factors that are within your control, including smoking, alcohol, physical activity and diabetes control.
Recovery after stroke continues well beyond the hospital stay. We can assess ongoing symptoms including weakness, fatigue, speech and swallowing difficulty, mood changes and cognitive change, and coordinate referral to rehabilitation services and allied health as needed. We also provide advice on returning to driving and returning to work.
To make an appointment or discuss a referral, please call us on (02) 5104 4606.
GPs and other health professionals can find referral information on our For Referrers page.
If stroke symptoms are happening now, do not call the clinic. Call 000.
