Private stroke clinic in London, same-day specialist medicine.
A stroke is a brain attack — blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, and around two million nerve cells die every minute it continues. Clot-busting treatment works only within a narrow window. Recognising it and dialling 999 immediately is the single most useful thing anyone can do. Our private specialist medicine clinic in East London offers same-day stroke assessment with a private specialist, diagnosis and a clear treatment plan — usually without a referral and often the same day.
Call 999 now if the face droops, an arm is weak, or speech is slurred — act FAST. Stroke is an emergency.
The condition
What is stroke?
A stroke is a brain attack — blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, and around two million nerve cells die every minute it continues. Clot-busting treatment works only within a narrow window. Recognising it and dialling 999 immediately is the single most useful thing anyone can do.
- What stroke is
- Symptoms to look for
- Causes & risk factors
- Tests & diagnosis
- Treatment options
- When to see a specialist
Understanding stroke
Stroke: symptoms, causes, tests & treatment
Call 999 immediately — think FAST
- F — Face. Has their face fallen on one side? Can they smile?
- A — Arms. Can they raise both arms and keep them there?
- S — Speech. Is it slurred? Can they understand you?
- T — Time. If you see any single one of these signs, call 999 now.
- Also call 999 for sudden loss of vision, severe unexplained headache, sudden dizziness with loss of balance, or sudden confusion
Do not drive them to hospital, do not wait to see if it passes, and do not give aspirin, food or drink. Note the exact time symptoms started — treatment decisions depend on it. Stay with them, keep them comfortable, and unlock the door for paramedics. In an emergency call 999; the nearest emergency department is the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1FR, which is a major stroke centre.
Signs beyond FAST
FAST catches most strokes but not all. Also treat as an emergency: sudden numbness or weakness anywhere on one side; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden severe headache with no known cause; sudden difficulty walking, dizziness or loss of coordination; sudden confusion or difficulty understanding.
A mini-stroke is not a lesser event
A transient ischaemic attack produces the same symptoms but they resolve, often within minutes. People routinely decide it must have been nothing. In fact a TIA is a warning that a full stroke may be imminent — the risk is highest in the first few days. Call 999 if symptoms are present, and seek same-day assessment even if they have completely gone. Prompt treatment after a TIA substantially reduces the chance of a stroke following.
Who is at higher risk
- High blood pressure — the single biggest modifiable risk factor, and usually silent
- Atrial fibrillation — an irregular pulse, which multiplies stroke risk several-fold and is often undiagnosed
- high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, excess alcohol
- being overweight and physically inactive
- South Asian, African and Caribbean heritage, which carries higher risk at younger ages
- a previous stroke or TIA, and a family history
Reducing your risk
- Know your blood pressure. It causes no symptoms until it causes a stroke.
- Check your pulse for irregularity — 30 seconds at the wrist. AF is irregularly irregular, with no pattern to the gaps.
- Stop smoking; this halves stroke risk within a few years.
- Keep alcohol within 14 units a week, spread out.
- 150 minutes of activity a week, and treat diabetes and cholesterol properly.
- If you have AF, take anticoagulation as prescribed — it is the intervention that prevents most strokes.
After a stroke or TIA
Recovery continues for months and sometimes years, and the risk of a further event is highest in the first weeks. Blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, heart rhythm and medication adherence all need reviewing and keeping under review — this is where the second stroke is prevented.
Come to us for the prevention, not the emergency. If you are having stroke symptoms, call 999. But if you want your blood pressure, pulse rhythm, cholesterol and glucose checked properly, have a family history that worries you, or need follow-up and medication review after a TIA or stroke, that is exactly what we do. We offer ECG, echocardiography and blood tests in-house, cardiology consultations without a referral, and unhurried appointments 7 days a week — with a written summary to take away.
Recognising stroke and private follow-up after a TIA in East London
A stroke is a medical emergency — remember FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 999. Even if symptoms pass (a TIA or 'mini-stroke'), urgent assessment is essential because it warns of a future stroke. After emergency care, a private GP in East London and our cardiology and specialist medicine team teams can support risk-factor management and follow-up. Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in East London, a short journey from Canary Wharf and the City, with same-day appointments and no referral required.
Stroke in London: common questions
What is the FAST test?
Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 999 — if you see any of these, call 999 immediately.
What is a TIA?
A 'mini-stroke' where symptoms pass within 24 hours; it is a warning sign and needs urgent assessment to prevent a full stroke.
What happens after a stroke or TIA?
Risk factors such as blood pressure, heart rhythm and cholesterol are managed; we can support ongoing prevention and follow-up.
Can you help reduce my stroke risk?
Yes — we assess and manage blood pressure, AF, cholesterol and lifestyle to lower future risk.
Stroke risk assessment, 7 days a week
ECG, echo and bloods in-house, cardiology without a referral. In an emergency call 999.
Specialist medicine services we offer
Expert care under one roof
From same-day GP assessment to specialist care, scans and tests — with a clear plan the same visit.
Private GP
Same-day GP to start your care.
Specialist Medicine
Access to specialists & referral.
MRI & Imaging
Fast brain & spine MRI access.
Private Blood Tests
Diagnostic blood tests, explained.
Headache & Migraine
Diagnosis & a treatment plan.
Mental Health
Where mood or memory is affected.
Simple & reassuring
Seen today, in three easy steps
Book in a minute
Book online any time or call reception — no GP referral needed for most appointments.
Seen quickly
A GMC-registered clinician assesses you, with tests and scans arranged in-house where possible.
Diagnosis & plan
You leave with a clear diagnosis, treatment, and any specialist care or scan arranged.
Private assessment
See a private specialist for stroke in London
At our private specialist medicine clinic on Whitechapel Road in East London, you can see a private specialist or stroke doctor without a referral — most days, often the same day. A private GP in East London or consultant specialist will assess you, arrange the right tests and explain your diagnosis and treatment options clearly. We help patients across East London, Canary Wharf, the City, Docklands and Aldgate who want fast, private answers about stroke.
Local, private, fast
A private specialist medicine clinic for East London & Canary Wharf
Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in the heart of East London — minutes from Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands and Aldgate. Patients across Tower Hamlets, Wapping, Limehouse and Bethnal Green choose us for a fast, private stroke appointment with a specialist, without the wait or the referral.
Why choose us
Why choose our East London private specialist medicine clinic
- Same-day, no referral — private GP and specialist medicine under one roof
- Specialist-led care with GMC-registered clinicians
- Tests & scans on site, results explained the same visit
- Minutes from Canary Wharf & the City of London
- A named clinician who explains your results clearly
- Transparent pricing and a plan you can act on
Ready when you are
See a private specialist for stroke — the same day.
Book a private stroke assessment in East London: same-day appointments, specialist-led care and a clear plan. No referral needed.
Common questions
Stroke in London: your questions answered
Where can I find a private stroke specialist near me in East London?
Our private specialist medicine clinic is on Whitechapel Road in East London, minutes from Canary Wharf and the City. You can see a private specialist or stroke doctor for assessment and treatment, usually the same day and without a referral.
Can I see a private specialist for stroke the same day?
Yes. We hold same-day private appointments most days, including Saturdays, so you can be assessed by a specialist or GP quickly, with tests done in-house where possible.
How much does a private stroke appointment cost in London?
We keep pricing transparent — see our fees page or call 020 7916 0029, and we will explain the cost of the stroke assessment and any tests before you book.
Do I need a referral to see a private specialist for stroke?
No. You can book directly with our clinic. If you are unsure whether to start with a private GP or a specialist, we will guide you.
Which areas do you serve for private stroke care?
We see private patients from across East London, Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands, Aldgate, Wapping, Limehouse and Tower Hamlets.
Medically reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat — Clinical Director, GMC 7138332. Last reviewed August 2026 · next review August 2027. Written in line with our editorial & content-review policy, using guidance from the NHS, NICE and the relevant royal colleges. This information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.