Warning Signs of a Stroke

Recognising the early signs of a stroke is key to reducing the risk of long-term damage. Common symptoms include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Confusion or trouble speaking.
• Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
• Loss of balance or dizziness.
• Severe headache without a known cause.

Prompt treatment is essential to minimise damage. A stroke, especially if untreated, can lead to long-term disability or even death.

The Role of Neurology in Stroke Prevention and Treatment

Neurologists focus on identifying individuals at high risk for strokes and providing preventive measures. Common risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and high cholesterol. Regular check-ups with a neurologist can help manage these risk factors, reducing the likelihood of a stroke.

Prevention Strategies:

1. Blood Pressure Control: Keeping blood pressure in a healthy range is one of the most effective ways to prevent strokes.
2. Cholesterol Management: High levels of bad cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of ischaemic stroke.
3. Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Therapy: For those at risk of stroke due to blood clots, neurologists prescribe medications like aspirin or warfarin.
4. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and quitting smoking can dramatically reduce stroke risk.

Emergency Stroke Treatment
In the event of a stroke, the primary goal is to restore blood flow to the brain as quickly as possible. Treatments differ based on the type of stroke:

Ischaemic Stroke

The most common treatment for an ischaemic stroke is thrombolysis, where clot-busting drugs such are used to dissolve the blood clot. This is most effective if administered within the first few hours of stroke onset.

Haemorrhagic Stroke

Treatment focuses on controlling bleeding and reducing pressure on the brain. This may involve surgery to repair a ruptured blood vessel or procedures to relieve pressure caused by excess fluid buildup.

Long-term Management and Recovery

After the initial stroke treatment, ongoing neurological care helps with recovery and rehabilitation. The impact of a stroke can vary greatly; some individuals may recover fully, while others may experience long-term effects like paralysis, speech difficulties or memory problems.

A neurologist plays a key role in post-stroke care by offering:

• Rehabilitation: Working with a team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, neurologists create tailored rehabilitation plans to help patients regain as much independence as possible.
• Medications: Continuing with medications that manage stroke risk factors, such as anticoagulants or blood pressure-lowering drugs, is vital to prevent future strokes.

Book a Consultation with Dr Dominic Paviour
If you or a loved one is at risk of stroke, or if you’ve experienced a stroke and want more support with your treatment and rehabilitation, get in touch with Dr Paviour. As a consultant neurologist with expertise in stroke prevention and treatment, Dr Paviour offers personalised care to manage your health and reduce the risk of future strokes. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more secure future.

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What are the Type of Seizures?

Electrical activity is happening in our brain all the time. A seizure happens when there is a sudden burst of intense electrical activity in the brain. This intense electrical activity is called ‘epileptic activity’. There are many different types of seizures. They can be classed by where in the brain the epileptic activity starts.

Focal (partial) seizures – In these seizures, the epileptic activity starts in just a part of your brain. You may stay alert in this type of seizure. Sometimes, epileptic activity starts as a focal seizure, spreads to the rest of your brain and becomes a generalised seizure.

Generalised seizures – These seizures involve epileptic activity in both halves of your brain. You lose consciousness during this type of seizure, although sometimes it can be so brief that no one notices. The muscles in your body may stiffen and/or jerk. You may fall down.

It is very helpful to keep a detailed diary of your seizures. You can show this to your doctor. It is also very helpful for someone who has seen you have a seizure to go with you to see your doctor. They can tell the doctor what it was like.

What is the Treatment for Epilepsy?

One of the most important parts of getting the right treatment for epilepsy and seizures is getting the right diagnosis. Doctors base their diagnosis on what they are told about your seizures.

Tests may include blood tests, an EEG (recording of your brainwaves) and a brain scan. However, there is not one single test that determines a diagnosis of epilepsy.

The main treatment for epilepsy and seizures is epilepsy medicine, also known as anti-epileptic drugs or AEDs. The medicine doesn’t cure epilepsy but helps to stop or reduce the number of seizures. Around 40 in every 100 people with epilepsy have their seizures stopped with the first epilepsy medicine they try.

Contact Dr Paviour

Whilst this overview gives you some insights into the condition, to understand more, you are welcome to contact Dr Dominic Paviour. He is highly rated as a private Neurologist in London, not only by his peers but most importantly, by his patients. His clinics are provided on various days so finding a suitable time and location is straightforward.

Dr Paviour will provide a clear practical plan to help you manage the condition and advise on suitable treatment for epilepsy. Simply contact us so we can arrange an appointment.

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Headache is the most common neurological disorder. As an isolated symptom, it is very rarely caused by tumours or a ‘serious’ underlying disease, but it is often still a significant problem for the patient. It affects almost everyone occasionally, becoming a significant problem for an estimated 40% of people in the UK at some time in their lives.

Types of Headaches

A headache is classified as ‘primary’ if there is not a structural abnormality (such as a tumour) or another clear trigger for it such as a head injury. The most common primary headache conditions are migraines and tension-type headaches.

Migraine headaches

Migraine headaches are usually one-sided, severe throbbing headaches with accompanying nausea. The discomfort is worsened by bright light and loud noise. They can last anywhere between four hours and three days. The headache itself is not always the most troublesome symptom.

If in the last three months you have had the following, you have probably had a migraine.

Headache associated with a feeling of nausea
Troubled by bright light
Symptoms limited your ability to work

If you have experienced these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice from your GP. They may refer you to a neurologist for further investigation.

There are other types of headaches so for more details, simply click here.

Dr Paviour’s Treatment for Headaches

Dr Paviour uses the latest technology to diagnose and find treatment for migraines. He will discuss your symptoms and medical history during your private consultation as well as carry out a physical examination and relevant tests. These might include blood tests, imaging of the nervous system (MRI or CT) and electrical testing of nerves and muscles (EMG) or brain function (EEG).

Dr Paviour sees private patients at:

Parkside Hospital, Wimbledon
HCA Sydney Street, Chelsea
The London Clinic, 116 Harley Street

Dr Paviour is highly rated as a neurologist in London, not only by his peers but most importantly, by his patients. If you need treatment for migraines, then you can make an appointment today to speak to him. Feel free to contact us so we can discuss any symptoms and how Dr Paviour can help.

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