Stroke

Chronic Stroke Management at GEM Neurology

Nearly 800,000 Americans experience strokes each year. At GEM Neurology in Clinton, Tennessee, Dr. Luis Zayas, MD, PT, a board-certified neurologist and internist with expertise in rehabilitation, provides advanced chronic stroke management. His holistic approach addresses lingering post-stroke symptoms, supporting recovery and improving quality of life.

Patients may request a consultation for evaluation, though a referral is often required, depending on insurance.

Call our office today to learn more and see if stroke management at GEM Neurology is right for you.

What is a stroke?

A stroke, like a heart attack for the brain, occurs when blood flow is blocked or due to bleeding in the brain. Strokes are medical emergencies requiring immediate attention—call 911 in these cases. At GEM Neurology, PLLC in Clinton, Tennessee, board-certified neurologist Dr. Luis Zayas, MD, PT, specializes in chronic stroke management for patients post-hospital discharge. With expertise in neurology, internal medicine, neurocritical care, and rehabilitation, Dr. Zayas helps manage lingering post-stroke symptoms to improve recovery and quality of life.

Schedule an evaluation by calling today.

What are the signs and symptoms of a stroke?

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or due to bleeding, and any sudden neurological symptoms could be a stroke until proven otherwise. Key signs to watch for include:

• Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• Vision loss or double vision
• Facial drooping or numbness
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
• Confusion, severe headache
• Trouble walking, dizziness, memory loss, seizures, or personality changes

A stroke is a life-threatening emergency—call 911 at the first sign.

What increases the risk of a stroke?

Stroke risk factors include:

• Physical inactivity
• Overweight and obesity
• Heavy drinking
• Illicit drug use
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Personal or family history of a stroke
• COVID-19 infections
• Estrogen therapies 
• Being 55 or older
• Being male

Men are more likely to have strokes than women, but women are more likely to die of a stroke as they typically have them at an older age. 

Am I a candidate for stroke management?

If you're recovering from a stroke, chronic stroke management at GEM Neurology may be beneficial. Dr. Zayas reviews your hospital testing and completed workup, following the American Stroke Association's guidelines, to assess your risk factors and support recovery. Our goal is to prevent further strokes and promote long-term improvement in quality of life through personalized treatment.

What to Expect During Stroke Recovery After Hospital Discharge

After hospital discharge, stroke recovery at GEM Neurology emphasizes secondary prevention, symptom relief, and rehabilitation. Dr. Zayas began his career in Quincy, Illinois, where he gained valuable experience covering as lead physician in an acute rehab unit. This background enables him to provide specialized post-stroke care, including spasticity management with botulinum toxin injections.

Your recovery plan may include:

• Medications for stroke prevention
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Lifestyle changes for managing cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and weight

Dr. Z follows up regularly to support long-term recovery. Schedule an evaluation by calling GEM Neurology today.