Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

By the way, doctor: What type of doctor should we see after having strokes?

By the way, doctor

What type of doctor should we see after having strokes?

Q. My wife and I both recently suffered mild strokes. Although we are both recovering, we’d like to consult a physician who specializes in the treatment and prevention of strokes. What medical specialty is devoted to this?

A. Strokes are caused by a sudden impairment of the brain’s blood supply. The symptoms may include loss of strength or sensations on one side of the body, difficulty understanding speech or speaking, impaired vision, and loss of consciousness. Fortunately, the symptoms often are mild and get better, as in your and your wife’s cases. They may even completely resolve over time. And strokes can often be prevented by medications and lifestyle changes.

Ischemic strokes are caused by a blockage in an artery in the brain. About 60% of them are caused by emboli, blood clots that travel to the brain after forming elsewhere, typically in the heart or aorta.

There are two types of stroke. An ischemic stroke occurs when an artery is blocked, a hemorrhagic stroke when an artery bursts. Ischemic strokes are much more common. As you might imagine, the treatments for these two types of stroke are very different.

There are many complicated issues in deciding how to hasten recovery and prevent recurrence of strokes, both initially and over the months and years that follow. As a primary care physician, I usually seek the help of a neurologist. While all neurologists are trained to care for people who have had strokes, there are some who specialize in stroke care. And, obviously, a neurosurgeon is consulted if brain surgery is necessary.

— Anthony L. Komaroff M.D. Editor in Chief, Harvard Health Letter

E-mail This | Print This

Last updated:	August 21, 2006