How long does a GP consultation take to work for stroke?

Stroke can affect movement, speech, vision, balance or alertness when part of the brain is deprived of blood flow or bleeding occurs. Some treatments are time-sensitive, so assessment in an emergency department is more appropriate than waiting for a routine GP review.

A brief episode that improves can still need urgent assessment because it may represent a transient event. Record when symptoms began, or the last time the person was known to be well, and share this with emergency clinicians.

Call emergency services for sudden facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, new confusion, loss of balance, severe vision change or a sudden severe headache. Note the symptoms and their start time.

Keep the person safe and supervised. Do not give food, drink or medicines if swallowing is affected, and do not drive them yourself if emergency transport is available.

Seek emergency help immediately for any new possible stroke symptom, even if it is mild or disappears. Do not wait to see whether rest makes it pass.

After hospital assessment, arrange follow-up with the GP for blood pressure, medicines, rehabilitation needs and prevention planning. Return to emergency care for new or worsening neurological symptoms.

After urgent assessment, ask what caused the event, which medicines are needed, what rehabilitation is available, and which warning signs should prompt an immediate return.