Purpose of Seeing a Neurologist after Stroke

Update on Neurologist appointment yesterday:
We discussed everything thoroughly, he prescribed an echocardiogram, and said to stop the blood thinner Clopidogrel (Plavix), and replace it with baby aspirin.
Recommended discussing possible hypertension meds increase with Primary Care doc because BP still too high (159/79 in doc's office). Have been taking 30mg Lisinopril daily and 1/2 of a 25mg Metoprolol Tartrate tablet 2x/day.
Which one do you think he will increase?

@barrybailey - wondering how your latest six-month checkup went with your neurologist? How are you feeling lately?

@grrranny

Just realized I hadn't reported that Primary Care doc added Amlodipine 2.5 mg. BP has come down since then, and I rarely need to take it now. Last week's average was 130/66.

@lisalucier
Thank you, Lisa for your concern. I am doing fine. My neurologist is pleased [and I think somewhat surprised] at how well I’m doing. I am still able to continue my therapeutic massage practice [limit of two clients a day] and my ZOOM Active Stretching classes four days a week. I firmly believe that the exercise I get from continuing to work has been a great benefit in getting me back to normal. I also keep busy learning to shoot and edit videos and most recently experimented with creating AI music inspired by my stretching classes. “Keep Moving” is my latest music creation. The only remaining limitation I still have is a slight weakness in my left hand, the site that was affected by my 3 TIAs. I see my neurologist again in the middle of March.

Hi @barrybailey - great to hear from you. Impressive how you've used your work with its physicality plus stretching and movement to recover.

Do you have hope the weakness in your left hand will resolve, or what are your thoughts on that at this point?

@lisalucier
I am left-hand dominant. My left-hand weakness is only noticeable to me when opening jars and especially when I am trimming my right-hand fingernails with the nail trimmer. I simply can’t get enough strength to do the clipping without assistance from my right hand. Otherwise, I have adequate left-hand strength when driving, doing massage and other tasks that require strength. My gripping strength feels OK to my doctor. I think I am developing arthritis in the first finger of my left hand and that could be a contributing factor. Time to have that checked.

Just joined. Had a very minor stroke, ischaemic lacunar infarct, on Dec. 11, 2025 that initially showed as tingling and numbness in right foot, hand, and face. Called 911 within 5 minutes. Symptoms went away and came back a few times over the next several hours. I suspect it was a TIA initially that turned into a stroke; ER listed it as a TIA. Immediate CT showed no bleeding. They did not give me the anticoagulant and delayed MRI until next day, which confirmed the lacunar infarct. Discharged after 2 days with the usual anticoagulant, aspirin, cholesterol reducer, and BP reducer. Saw my GP immediately and she continued these meds. However, I can't get a neurologist appointment for 5 months, so I'm not sure if more or different treatment is needed. The foot and face numbness/tingling have gone away, leaving my hand a bit numb. Only PT was at the hospital.

Seeing a neurologist following a stroke is essential. The fine intricacies of your specific stroke need to be addressed to be sure you’re on the right meds and to prevent future strokes or TIA’s. And now that you’re on a blood thinner you need to be especially careful about injuring yourself. Minor cuts will not stop bleeding the usual amount of time. Falling in any way shape or form will require a visit to a healthcare provider to ascertain any potential damage. As an example my father-in-law fell in his bathroom off the toilet seat after falling asleep. He only visibly caused a cut on his arm that required stitches. Since he was on anticoagulant’s like you the ER sent him to the trauma center where they found he had injured his liver and was actively bleeding internally. They needed to reverse his anticoagulant with IV Vitamin K. It important to understand that a simple fall can cause catastrophic results. You’ll also need an ID on your person showing you’re taking anticoagulants. Also, ask your GP or neurologist what your plan of action should be in case any of these situations arise. Be healthy and above all be safe.