Stroke Specialist
Loudoun Neurology Associates
Parminder Chawla, MD
Neurologist located in Lansdowne, VA
When you’re at risk of having a stroke, or you’ve already suffered through it and must now deal with the consequences, find the help and treatment you need with an experienced neurologist. Parminder Chawla, MD, has 20 years of experience treating neurological disorders and diseases, and he can help reduce your risk of further damage. If you live near Leesburg, Virginia, call Loudoun Neurology Associates today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Chawla. You can even book online.
Stroke Q & A
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
When you have a stroke, specific signs and symptoms occur. Some of the most common include:
- Difficulty speaking
- Numbness or paralysis on one side of your face, arm, or leg
- One-sided mouth droop
- Blurred, blackened, or double vision
- Sudden, severe headache
- Trouble walking
What should you do if you think you’re having a stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency. If you believe you or someone you care for is having a stroke, call 911 or immediately go to the closest emergency department.
The person experiencing a strike may not realize what’s occurring. In best case scenarios, a bystander witnesses the signs of a stroke when they occur, recognizes them, and reacts by calling 911.
Early intervention reduces the risk of brain damage and limits complications, so don’t delay seeking medical assistance.
What causes a stroke?
When something significantly reduces or interrupts the blood supply to your brain, a stroke occurs. This lack of blood deprives your brain of the oxygen and nutrients it needs, and within minutes, your brain cells can start to die.
Blocked arteries cause some strokes, called ischemic strokes, while a leaking or burst blood vessel causes a different type of stroke, referred to as a hemorrhagic stroke.
If the blood supply to your brain is only temporarily disrupted, you may suffer a transient ischemic attack (TIA). These are mini-strokes.
Underlying conditions that contribute to strokes include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Blood clots
- Narrowing of the arteries
- Aneurysms
How do you treat stroke symptoms?
If you’ve had a stroke, Dr. Chawla develops a treatment plan to reduce your symptoms, restore any loss of function, and prevent future strokes. He uses medical imaging, including MRIs, to determine the severity of your stroke and where it impacted the brain.
Dr. Chawla may recommend physical or occupational therapy to help you restore muscle strength and function. If your stroke impacted your speech, he might refer you to a speech-language pathologist.
To prevent future strokes, Dr. Chawla monitors your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and, if needed, regulates them with medication. He may also recommend:
- Switching to a heart-healthy diet
- Starting a daily exercise program
- Quitting smoking
- Engaging in stress-reducing activities
After a stroke, you need an experienced neurologist on your treatment team. Call Loudoun Neurology Associates today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Chawla. You can even book your consultation online.