Stroke Diagnosis

Stroke diagnosis based on the symptoms, family history, any other related conditions, neurological examination, and lab test & procedures.

Common stroke screening test

• Doctor likes to know about the stroke symptoms such as what, when, how long and how severe are the symptoms.
• Doctor ask, whether you or your family members have or have had a disease condition that can cause stroke.
• Neurological examination of muscles and nerves; checking strength, sensation, coordination and reflexes. Check memory, speaking and thinking abilities.

Depending on the above diagnosis, doctor may suggest some Lab test and procedures for further evaluation.

Lab tests and procedures for stroke diagnosis

• CT scan produces a 3D image of the head, used to diagnose ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and other problems of the brain and brainstem.
• MRI scan produces a 3D image of the head, brain and spinal cord in more precise than CT. MRI is used to diagnose ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and other problems involving the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord.

Tests that View the Blood Vessels that Supply the Brain

• Carotid Doppler takes picture of the carotid arteries in the neck, and shows the blood flow to the brain. This test is used to examine narrowing of carotid artery.
• Transcranial doppler are used to measure blood flow in some of the arteries in the brain.
• MRA (Magnetic resonance angiogram) a special MRI scan used to see the blood vessels in the neck or brain.
• Cerebral arteriogram – a thin flexible tube called catheter is inserted in an artery in the arm or leg, and a special dye which is visible in x-ray is injected into the blood vessels.  X-ray images show any abnormalities in the blood vessels, such as narrowing, blockage, or malformations. Cerebral arteriogram is a more difficult test than carotid doppler or MRA, but produce accurate result.

Other Neurologic Tests

• Electroencephalogram measures the brain waves through several electrical leads painlessly attached to the head. EEG is not common test used for stroke diagnosis, but would be ordered if have had a seizure is suspected.
• Lumbar puncture or spinal tap is performed by inserting a needle in the lower back to obtain a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This test is done if subarachnoid hemorrhage, a bleeding from a cerebral aneurysm is suspected or for nervous system infection (such as meningitis) or inflammation.
• Electromyogram or Nerve conduction test records the electrical signals of the nerves and muscles. It is not used for stroke diagnosis, but needed if nerves problem is suspected.

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