Stroke Tests
Submitted by Thiruvelan on Wed, 06/23/2010 - 21:13
If you had a stroke, or warning signs of stroke, it is very important to get prompt medical attention.
Step needed after a Stroke
You need to consult doctor even if,
- the stroke symptoms disappear without treatment
- the stroke cause symptoms are important even if it goes without a treatment
- don’t try to diagnose by yourself
Your doctor or health care provider ask many questions to evaluate and diagnose stroke cause:
- symptoms you had during stroke
- your medical history – problems, operation and any other illnesses
- Any illness which run in your family.
- Medicines currently you are taking.
- Doctor might be interested to talk to the person, who was with you during stroke.
Physical examination for stroke diagnosis
During physical examination for stroke diagnosis
Your doctor will check
Your doctor will check
- pulse
- blood pressure,
- examine heart, lungs, etc
Neurologic examination for stroke diagnosis
It includes tests for muscles and nerves. The doctor will check your
- Strength,
- Sensation or sensitivity,
- Coordination or balancing and
- Reflexes.
Additionally test for stroke diagnosis
Ask question to check your
- memory,
- speech and
- thinking ability.
Stroke diagnosis tests
Depending on the results of your evaluation, your doctor may need additional tests to fully understand your problem. These tests are
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Carotid Doppler
- Transcranial Doppler
- Magnetic resonance angiogram
- Cerebral arteriogram
CT scan
CT scan utilizes x rays to produce a 3D image of your head. CT scan can be helpful in diagnose of ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and other problems of the brain and brainstem.
MRI scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields to produce a 3D image of your head. The MRI scan produces the images of the brain and spinal cord in more detail than CT scan do. MRI can be helpful in diagnose of ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and other problems involving the spinal cord, brain and brainstem.
Tests that View the Blood Vessels that Supply the Brain
Carotid Doppler
It can also be called by Carotid duplex, Carotid ultrasound. High frequency non hearable audio waves (ultrasound waves) are used to show a picture of the carotid arteries in your neck, and the blood flowing to your brain. This test can be helpful to diagnose if your carotid artery is narrowed by arteriosclerosis (cholesterol deposition).
Transcranial Doppler (TCD)
Ultrasound waves are used to measure blood flow in some of the arteries in your brain.
Magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA)
This is a special type of MRI scan, which can be helpful to see the blood vessels in your neck or brain.
Cerebral arteriogram
Otherwise called as Cerebral angiogram, Digital subtraction angiography or simple DSA. A catheter (a tiny, flexible tube) is inserted in an artery in your arm or leg, and a special dye sensitive for x ray is injected into the blood vessels leading to the brain. The x ray images show any abnormalities of the blood vessels, which can include narrowing, blockage, or malformations. Cerebral arteriogram is a more complicated test than carotid doppler or MRA, but its results are the most accurate.
Other Neurologic Tests
Electroencephalogram (EEG)HeHH
EEG measures your brain waves through several electrical leads painlessly attached to your head. EEG is not routinely used for stroke diagnosis, but would be ordered if your doctor thinks that you may have had a seizure.
Lumbar puncture (LP, spinal tap)
A needle is inserted in your lower back to obtain a sample of the fluid (cerebrospinal fluid, CSF) which surrounds your brain and spinal cord. LP is not routinely used for diagnosis of ischemic stroke. However, LP is often required if sub-arachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding from a cerebral aneurysm) is suspected. LP may also be needed if your doctor suspects a nervous system infection (such as meningitis) or inflammation.
Electromyogram / Nerve conduction test (EMG / NCV)
This test records the electrical activity of the nerves and muscles. EMG is not used for stroke diagnosis, but might be needed if your doctor suspects a problem with the nerves in your arms or legs.
Brain biopsy
A surgical diagnosis test is done by removing a small piece of the brain for microscopic examination. Biopsy is used to diagnose lesions (tumors) which cannot be diagnosed by CT or MRI scan. It is very rarely used for stroke diagnosis, when cerebral vasculitis is suspected.
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