Stroke diagnosis based on the symptoms, family history, any other related conditions, neurological examination, and lab test & procedures.
Stroke Screening Test
- Doctor likes to know about the stroke symptoms such as what, when, how long and how severe are the symptoms.
- Doctor asks, whether you or your family members have or have had a disease condition that can cause a stroke.
- Neurological examination of muscles and nerves is for checking strength, sensation, coordination, and reflexes. Check memory, speaking and thinking abilities.
Depending on the above stroke 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 useful 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 a picture of the carotid arteries in the neck, and shows the blood flow to the brain. This test is useful to examine narrowing of carotid artery.
- Transcranial doppler is useful to measure blood flow in some of the arteries in the brain.
- MRA (Magnetic resonance angiogram) special MRI scans used to see the blood vessels in the neck or brain.
- Cerebral arteriogram – a thin flexible tube called a catheter is inserting in an artery in the arm or leg, and special dyes, which is visible in x-ray, is injecting into the blood vessels. The 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 produces an 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 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 useful for stroke diagnosis, but needed if doctor suspect nerve’s problem.