Stroke & TIA
Stroke and TIA Follow-Up Care
After a stroke or TIA, ongoing neurological care helps manage residual symptoms, reduce risk, and coordinate recovery. This page describes follow-up care — not emergency treatment.
What a stroke and TIA are
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to be damaged or die. A TIA (transient ischemic attack) produces similar symptoms but resolves within minutes to hours and does not cause permanent damage on imaging. A TIA is a warning sign: people who have had a TIA are at increased risk of a future stroke.
Stroke symptoms are an emergency
If stroke symptoms are happening now, call 911 or seek emergency care immediately. Do not drive yourself. Rapid treatment can limit brain damage.
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the face, arm, or leg
- Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Call 911 for emergency stroke symptoms
What we address in follow-up
After the acute phase, a neurologist can help with symptoms that remain, adjust preventive therapy, and coordinate care with therapists and primary care.
- Residual weakness, numbness, or coordination problems
- Speech or language difficulties
- Swallowing and nutrition concerns
- Vision or spatial awareness changes
- Memory, thinking, and personality changes
- Seizures after stroke
- Headaches, spasticity, or mood changes
Prevention and risk factor management
Preventing another stroke is the central goal of follow-up. That means understanding what caused the first event and controlling the risk factors that can be changed.
- Blood pressure control
- Diabetes and cholesterol management
- Atrial fibrillation detection and anticoagulation when appropriate
- Smoking cessation
- Sleep apnea evaluation
- Medication review and adherence support
Lifestyle as treatment
Nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management are not optional extras after a stroke — they are part of the treatment plan. We discuss practical changes that fit your current abilities and recovery goals, and coordinate with therapists and primary care when needed.
- Heart-healthy eating patterns, including sodium and saturated fat awareness
- Safe physical activity and balance training
- Sleep apnea screening and treatment
- Alcohol and smoking reduction strategies
- Medication and supplement review
Request a Neurology Appointment
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "appointment," or call 815-337-7100 to schedule. Our office will follow up to confirm your evaluation.
In-person visits and televisits (telehealth) are both available.
What happens after you text
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "appointment." Our office calls you back to schedule — you do not need to fill out a form.
When you'll hear back
Texts and calls received during office hours are typically returned the same business day. You can also call 815-337-7100 directly.
Insurance and referrals
Insurance participation and referral requirements vary by plan. Our office will confirm what your plan requires before your visit.
Please do not send urgent or emergency medical information by text. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention. Please avoid sending sensitive medical information by ordinary SMS unless instructed otherwise.