A Clear Guide to Stroke
A Diagnostic Approach to Hyperacusis
Sudden dizziness, hearing loss, or imbalance after a stroke? These vestibular symptoms are common in recovery and often improve with targeted rehab, not typically a sign of new serious issues. At Harley AVM, we optimise balance and hearing outcomes expertly. Seek urgent AVM care for worsening weakness, speech loss, vision changes, or severe headache. These high-risk symptoms need immediate evaluation.
Sudden Loss of Brain Blood Supply
An Overview of Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted, either by a blocked artery or bleeding within the brain. This deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients, leading to a rapid onset of symptoms such as weakness, speech difficulty, visual changes, dizziness, or severe imbalance.
The effects depend on which brain area is affected and how quickly treatment begins. Balance and vertigo symptoms often arise when a stroke involves the brainstem or cerebellum. Stroke is a medical emergency. Early recognition and immediate treatment are critical to limit brain injury, reduce disability, and improve recovery outcomes.
Pinpointing the Cause
Diagnosing Stroke
When to Get Checked
You should seek immediate medical help if sudden dizziness or imbalance occurs with weakness on one side, facial drooping, slurred speech, vision loss, or difficulty understanding others. These symptoms can indicate an acute stroke, even if they seem mild at first.
You should call emergency services if symptoms worsen, recur, or include severe headache, confusion, difficulty walking, or loss of consciousness. Rapid assessment and treatment are critical, as early intervention significantly improves outcomes and reduces long-term disability.
How We Assess Stroke
At Harley Audiovestibular Clinic, our process begins with knowing your detailed history, documenting stroke event details, onset of dizziness, hearing loss, imbalance, and neurological deficits to identify vestibular or auditory complications. We prioritise unhurried consultations with our consultants, ensuring a personalised understanding of your recovery challenges.
We proceed with neurological exams, audiometry, vestibular function tests, imaging review, and balance assessments to confirm involvement precisely, ruling out alternatives. Our senior clinicians review these collaboratively for precise, comprehensive insights. This specialised pathway sets us apart, guiding rehabilitation strategies that enhance balance, hearing, and quality of life effectively.
Major Insurance Providers Accepted
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Specialist Tests to Assess Hearing, Balance and Inner Ear Health
Harley Street Specialists in Hearing, Dizziness & Balance
Specialist Care for Stroke
Every Stroke case is different. Your consultant will create a tailored plan to address your specific symptoms and lifestyle – when it started, how it affects your day, and which tests and treatments are right for you.