Dr Paul Guyler

I am a Physician with a specialist expertise in Stroke and Vascular Medicine, Geriatric Medicine and General Medicine. My professional interests cover all aspects of these areas including TIA (Transient Ischaemic attacks – minor stroke), Atrial Fibrillation and anticoagulation.

In 1993, I undertook a BSc at the Atkinson Morley Neuroscience Centre, London with research evaluating medication used to combat complications in subarachnoid haemorrhage. I graduated from St George's Hospital Medical School, London, and trained in my specialties in London (South West Thames Region) before moving to take up a post in Southend in 2007. I became Lead Consultant in Stroke medicine in 2010 and have led the stroke team to provide excellence in quality of stroke care and innovation which has been backed up by multiple independent healthcare awards (including National Health Service Journal, Health and Social care, and Quality in anti-coagulation awards).

Stroke and vascular medicine is about medical problems which ‘fur up arteries’, and cause damage to the brain – usually via a blood clot blocking a cerebral artery, or a burst blood vessel causing brain haemorrhage. I have particular expertise in carotid artery atherosclerosis and treatments for preventing stroke - these include conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AF), hypertension and cholesterol disorder.

Stroke and vascular disease is an increasing problem in our community, and routine care often requires some specialist input. People with early arterial atherosclerosis (particularly if found in the carotid arteries), who have a history of stroke in the family, or who have suffered TIA or stroke, often have concerns about choice of treatment, the complications of stroke disease or their proposed medications and what the future holds; I am able to provide information and care to patients with these conditions.

I offer a number of treatments and investigations for stroke and vascular disorders including, appropriate use of medication/polypharmacy, holistic approaches to patients’ medical problems, ‘funny turns’ or unresponsiveness, issues around anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation, complicated high risk cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease, and atherosclerosis (‘furred up arteries’).

I have previously contributed to many regional and national specialist roles; these include: Honorary Consultant at Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust for Stroke Telemedicine, Lead for Acute stroke in Essex Cardiac and Stroke Network, Lead for Stroke in Essex and Hertfordshire Comprehensive Local Research Network, Lead consultant to the East of England Stroke Forum Steering Group, National Stroke Improvement Programme Associate, Member of National Priority project stroke prevention: managing atrial fibrillation (part of NHS Improvement) and Meeting secretary to NE Thames British Geriatric Society.

I believe in honest and open communication with patients at all times. I aim to provide a 'down to earth' realistic approach to issues, whilst offering specialist professional advice.
I have always revelled in playing and watching sport (particularly football and cricket, but any will do!). I enjoy spending time with my family – our four boys keep me well grounded! I also enjoy travelling, hill-walking and good food/fine wine.