Cerebrovascular Disease Medical Tests & Diagnosis Methods

Conditions & Diseases: Cardiovascular System

Cerebrovascular Disease

Medical Tests & Diagnosis Methods/Tools

Different diagnostic methods to detect cerebrovascular disease include:

1. Physical Examination: In the physical examination, the doctor listens with the help of a stethoscope to detect abnormal sounds of blood flow (called bruit) on the neck. However, in severe cases of atherosclerosis, the bruit is less common. A physician may look for specific neurological, motor and sensory deficits such as changes in vision or visual fields, abnormal reflexes, abnormal eye movements, muscle weakness, decreased sensation and other changes (6) & (7).

2. Cerebral Angiography or Vertebral Angiogram or Carotid Angiogram: In this radiological diagnostic method a catheter (a long narrow flexible tube) is inserted into the patient’s artery (usually from his/her leg) with the help of a needle and guided through the main vessels of the abdomen and chest until it is placed in the arteries of the neck. The whole procedure is monitored with the help of a fluoroscope. X-ray pictures are taken after injecting a contrast dye in the neck with the help of the catheter.

3. Carotid Duplex or Carotid Ultrasound: In this noninvasive test, ultrasound waves are used to detect plaque, blood clots or other blood flow problems in the carotid arteries. The images of carotid arteries and pulse wave form are carefully observed on a monitor.

4. Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scan): This method is used to diagnose and detect hemorrhagic strokes, since blood, bone and brain tissue can be easily distinguished due to their difference in densities. It is important to note that damage from ischemic stroke cannot be detected by this scanning method.

5. Doppler Ultrasound: In this noninvasive test high frequency sound waves are directed with the help of a transducer on to the artery or vein in question and detected on the Doppler.

6. Electroencephalogram (EEG): In this method, small metal discs (electrodes) are placed on the patient’s scalp to detect electrical impulses, which are printed out as brain waves.

7. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): In this method of diagnosis, three dimensional images of body structures are produced using magnetic fields and computer technology. The clear pictures of nerve tissue, brain stem and posterior brain can help determine signs of prior strokes if any.

8. Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA): The MRA shows actual blood vessels in the neck and brain and helps in detecting blockage and aneurysms.

9. Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): In this invasive diagnostic test a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is taken from the space surrounding the spinal cord to test for traces of blood due to cerebral hemorrhage (3).

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com