Common symptoms
- B — Balance: sudden loss of balance or coordination
- E — Eyes: sudden vision loss or double vision
- F — Face: one side of the face drooping
- A — Arm: weakness or numbness on one side
- S — Speech: slurred or confused speech
- T — Time: call 911 immediately
How Dr. Gao evaluates it
Follow-up includes a neurological exam and review of hospital imaging, heart rhythm monitoring and vascular studies to understand why the stroke happened. Risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, atrial fibrillation and sleep apnea are assessed.
Treatment
Prevention may include antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication, cholesterol and blood pressure control, and lifestyle changes. Dr. Gao also manages lasting effects of stroke such as spasticity, pain and post-stroke seizures, and coordinates rehabilitation.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I think someone is having a stroke?
Call 911 right away. Do not drive to the office or wait for symptoms to pass. Stroke treatments work best in the first hours.
Should I see a neurologist after a TIA?
Yes. A TIA, or 'mini-stroke', is a warning sign. Prompt evaluation can significantly lower the risk of a full stroke.