Hi,
A Neurologist can determine the type and severity of your stroke and the possible causes of your stroke. They can also recommend interventions (medication, surgery, exercises, and lifestyle changes) to help with your recovery and to prevent further strokes from happening.
Once a stroke survivor has had all the necessary investigations and has adapted to any new therapies, the Neurologist often won’t need to see you again, handing your care over to your GP. However it can be different for every stroke survivor. Some stroke survivors may need to see their Neurologist on an ongoing basis.
If things change and you have new neurological symptoms or you notice an exacerbation of old stroke deficits, then you need to see a Neurologist again. It doesn’t matter how many years since your stroke.
In your case, I would first speak to your GP about the difficulties you have been having and ask whether or not you need to see a Neurologist and/or another health professional such as a Physiotherapist.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us on StrokeLine if you’d like to discuss things further.
Best wishes,
Alana
Speech Pathologist and Nutritionist for StrokeLine
Ph. 1800 787 653