Stroke evaluation, prevention, and post-stroke care for patients across Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Long Island.
A stroke can change life in an instant, and the weeks and months that follow shape how well a person recovers. Apex Neurology provides stroke evaluation and post-stroke care for patients throughout New York City, with neurology offices in Brooklyn, Forest Hills in Queens, Manhattan, and Roslyn Heights on Long Island. Our board-certified neurologists focus on understanding why a stroke happened, lowering the risk of another one, and supporting recovery with clear, evidence-based care.
Recognizing a Stroke: Know the Warning Signs
A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a clot (ischemic stroke) or by bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Brain cells can be injured within minutes, so recognizing the signs and acting quickly matters.
The American Stroke Association uses the word FAST to describe the most common warning signs:
- F for Face drooping: one side of the face droops or feels numb
- A for Arm weakness: one arm is weak or drifts downward when raised
- S for Speech difficulty: speech is slurred or hard to understand
- T for Time to call 911: if you notice any of these signs, call 911 right away
Other sudden symptoms can include numbness or weakness on one side of the body, confusion or trouble understanding speech, vision changes in one or both eyes, a severe headache with no known cause, or trouble walking, dizziness, and loss of balance.
A stroke is a medical emergency. If you or someone nearby shows these signs, call 911 immediately rather than waiting or driving to a clinic. Emergency clot-dissolving treatment and clot-removal procedures are time-sensitive and are provided in hospitals. Apex Neurology supports patients before and after that emergency phase, through risk evaluation, prevention, and recovery care.
TIA: The Warning Stroke You Should Not Ignore
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a mini-stroke, causes stroke-like symptoms that go away on their own, often within minutes or hours. Even though the symptoms pass, a TIA is a serious warning sign that a larger stroke could follow. Many patients in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan come to Apex Neurology after a TIA to find out what caused it and how to lower their risk. A prompt evaluation can identify treatable causes and guide a prevention plan.
Stroke Evaluation at Apex Neurology
Stroke evaluation is a detailed assessment of how the brain and nervous system are working and what may have led to the stroke or TIA. It helps identify the underlying cause so that care can be matched to your needs.
A typical evaluation may include:
- A full neurological exam to test reflexes, strength, balance, coordination, speech, and thinking skills
- Review of imaging such as MRI or CT scans, or a referral for imaging when needed
- Blood tests to check risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and clotting issues
- Carotid Doppler ultrasound to check for narrowing in the neck arteries
- Transcranial Doppler testing and cerebral emboli monitoring in selected cases, to look for specific sources of clots
- Heart rhythm monitoring to check for atrial fibrillation, a common and treatable stroke risk
- Screening for anxiety, depression, and fatigue, which are common after a stroke
Stroke Risk Factors We Help Manage
Most strokes are linked to risk factors that can be measured and managed. During your visit, your neurologist will review the factors that apply to you and build a prevention plan. Common risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- Atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm problems
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Carotid artery narrowing
- A previous stroke or TIA
Managing these factors, often alongside your primary care doctor or cardiologist, is an important way to lower the chance of another stroke.
Post-Stroke Care and Recovery
Recovery does not end at hospital discharge. Post-stroke care helps patients regain function, manage lingering symptoms, and adjust to daily life. After reviewing your history, imaging, and current symptoms, your neurologist will recommend a care plan that may involve:
- Medication review and management to lower the risk of another stroke
- Referrals for physical, occupational, or speech-language therapy
- Support for memory, attention, and other thinking skills
- Care for mood changes such as anxiety, depression, or post-stroke fatigue
- Clear guidance on warning signs and lifestyle changes
Whether your stroke happened recently or years ago, ongoing evaluation can help keep recovery on track. Care is centered on your goals, not only on test results.
Areas We Serve for Stroke Care
Apex Neurology makes stroke evaluation and post-stroke care easier to reach across the New York City area, with offices in four neighborhoods:
- Brooklyn: 1530 Bedford Ave, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11216
- Queens (Forest Hills): 102-55 63rd Rd, Forest Hills, NY 11375
- Manhattan: 109 E 36th St, Ground Level, New York, NY 10016
- Long Island: 118 Glen Cove Rd, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577
Same-week appointments are often available. To schedule a stroke evaluation, call 347-808-0346 or book an appointment online.
How Apex Neurology Can Help
Stroke survivors and their families deserve ongoing support, clear communication, and a care team that understands both the physical and emotional sides of recovery. Apex Neurology provides:
- Detailed stroke and TIA evaluations with progress monitoring
- Stroke risk testing, including carotid and transcranial Doppler studies
- Medication review and prevention planning
- Coordination with therapists, primary care doctors, and cardiologists
- Education about warning signs, risk factors, and lifestyle changes
Every plan begins with a careful review of what happened and how it affects you now. To take the next step, contact Apex Neurology to schedule an evaluation at the office most convenient for you.
Related Diagnostics and Treatments
Stroke risk evaluation at Apex Neurology may include carotid Doppler ultrasound, transcranial Doppler testing, and cerebral emboli monitoring to identify ongoing stroke risk.
Further Reading from Apex Neurology
- Early stroke warning signs and when to see a neurologist
- Aphasia after stroke and language recovery
- Cerebral emboli monitoring and stroke risk
FAQs
How long is stroke recovery?
It varies. Some people recover in weeks. Others take months or longer. Progress depends on the type of stroke, how quickly treatment began, and what parts of the brain were affected.
What are common effects of a stroke?
Depending on the area of the brain impacted, a stroke can cause speech difficulties, weakness, memory problems, vision changes, and emotional shifts such as depression or irritability.
Can another stroke be prevented?
Yes. Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and lifestyle habits can significantly reduce stroke risk. Medications and regular check-ins also help.
Is therapy always required after a stroke?
Not always, but most patients benefit from physical, occupational, or speech therapy to rebuild strength and function. Your provider will recommend therapy based on your needs.
Do strokes cause permanent damage?
Some effects may be lasting, but the brain can also rewire and recover. Many patients make major improvements with time, care, and effort.