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About Stroke
Hospital Stroke and TIA Follow-Up Near Knoxville
Nearly 800,000 Americans experience a stroke each year. After a hospital visit for stroke, mini-stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA), timely neurology follow-up is important to review the diagnosis, evaluate stroke risk factors, optimize medications, and reduce the risk of another stroke.
At GEM Neurology in Clinton, Tennessee, near Knoxville, Dr. Luis Zayas, MD, PT, provides hospital stroke and TIA follow-up care for patients in Knoxville, Clinton, Oak Ridge, and the greater East Tennessee region. Dr. Zayas is a board-certified neurologist and internist with prior training as a physical therapist and fellowship training in neurocritical care. His approach combines stroke prevention, neurologic evaluation, rehabilitation awareness, and practical long-term management.
GEM Neurology helps patients after hospitalization for ischemic stroke, TIA, intracranial stenosis, carotid disease, small vessel disease, embolic stroke, cryptogenic stroke, and other vascular neurologic conditions. Care may include review of hospital records, brain imaging, vascular imaging, cardiac testing, stroke mechanism, blood pressure goals, cholesterol management, antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy when appropriate, lifestyle counseling, and coordination with primary care, cardiology, vascular surgery, or therapy services when needed.
Dr. Zayas also evaluates lingering post-stroke symptoms such as weakness, numbness, balance problems, walking difficulty, speech concerns, cognitive changes, fatigue, spasticity, and recurrent neurologic episodes. The goal is to provide a clear plan for stroke prevention, recovery, safety, and quality of life.
Important: GEM Neurology is not an emergency room and does not provide emergency stroke treatment. If you or a loved one develops sudden neurologic symptoms that may suggest a stroke, such as facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, numbness on one side, trouble speaking, confusion, vision loss, severe dizziness, trouble walking, or the worst headache of your life, call 911 immediately.
To request hospital stroke or TIA follow-up care near Knoxville, please have your referring provider send a referral to GEM Neurology. A referral is required before scheduling a new patient appointment.
Stroke Q&A
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.
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.