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Stroke
See Also:
Stroke : Introduction
& Overview
Stroke : Types
Stroke : Post Stroke
Symptoms & Signs
Stroke : Effects
Stroke : Risk Factors
Stroke : Medical
Tests & Diagnosis
Stroke : Treatment
Stroke : Prevention
Stroke : Stroke in Women
Stroke : Stroke in
Children
Stroke Medical Tests and
Diagnosis
Time
is a key element when diagnosing a stroke. A prompt
diagnosis within the first three hours after the stroke
occurred increases the chance of recovery and reduces the
risk of death. Stroke is diagnosed through physical and
neurological examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging
tests.
I. Physical and
neurological examination
Face-Arm-Speech
Test (FAST). This is a simple but effective
test that helps determine whether or not a person
suffered a stroke or mini-stroke. This test
evaluates three neurological signs of stroke:
1). Facial weakness: Can the
person smile? Is the person mouth or an eye
dropped?
2). Arm weakness: Can the person
raise his or her arms at the same level?
3). Speech difficulties: Can the
person speek clearly and be understood by others?
Anamnesis
is a detailed medical review of the past medical
problems and stroke risk factors. When the
patient can't communicate with the physician, the
medical information is provided by family
members.
- Physical examination. The physician checks
the blood pressure and pulse, listen's to the
heart, and looks into the eyes checking for brain
damages.
II. Laboratory tests
The doctor can recommend several blood tests when
evaluating if a patient had a stroke. However, blood
tests do not diagnose a stroke, but it does provide
useful information about stroke risk factors and other
medical conditions involved in a stroke. Some of the
blood tests performed include:
Complete
blood count (CBC). This is a routine test
that measures the number of red blood cells,
white blood cells, and platelets.
Coagulation
tests. There are three coagulation tests
performed: prothrombin time, partial
thromboplastin time (PTT), and international
normalized ratio (INR). These tests measure how
fast the blood clots.
Blood
lipid tests. These tests measure the level of
cholesterol and total lipids in the blood.
Blood
chemistry tests. These tests measure the
level of certain chemical substances in the
blood, such as: glucose and serum electrolytes
(potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium).
III. Imaging tests
Computed
Tomography (CT) or Computed Tomography
Scan. This test is similar with an x-ray
procedure, but it provides a detailed
cross-sectional image of the brain. A CT scan is
one of the first tests conducted in a stroke
evaluation because it can establish if the
medical problem is a stroke and the type of the
stroke.
Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI). This test uses radio
waves and strong magnets to reveal a complete
image of the brain. MRI is a noninvasive and
painless test that provides accurate pictures of
the brain and it's arteries. The advantage of
this test is that it can determine what part of
the brain was affected by an ischemic stroke and
the extent of the damage.
Electrocardiogram
or Echocardiogram. Electrocardiogram
is a test recommended for patients that suffered
an ischemic stroke and can detect heart problems
such as arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat) and
atrial fibrillation. An echocardiogram is an
ultrasound test that can determine if the stroke
was caused by heart problems.
Computed
Tomography Angiography (CTA). This is an
imaging test that targets the blood vessels in
the brain and the blood flow within them. This
test is performed after a dye agent is inserted
into the carotid arteries (the veins located in
the neck area) through a catheter. CTA can detect
aneurysm and narrow arteries.
Carotid
Ultrasonography. This test is similar with an
ultrasound, but is performed in the neck area. It
targets the carotid arteries, showing if they
suffered changes, such as narrow walls or blood
clots, and the speed of the blood flow.
Xenon
CT Scanning. This is an imaging test that
uses xenon (inert gas) to measure the blood flow
in different regions of the brain.
Radionuclide
SPECT Scanning. This is an imaging test that
provides useful information about the blood flow
to tissues. This test is performed after a
contrast agent (radionuclide) is administrated
intravenously. The radionuclide is absorbed by
the tissues and is later visualized by the
scanning device.
Transcranial
Doppler (TCD). TCD is a test that measures
the velocity of the blood flow through the
brain's blood vessels. This test is effective in
detecting emboli, aneurysms, and hemorrhage.
Arteriography.
This is an imaging test that targets the brain
arteries. It is performed after a dye agent is
inserted into the body through an artery in the
arm or leg that goes to the brain. This test can
detect abnormalities in the blood vessels, such
as narrowing, blockages, or aneurysms.
See Also:
Stroke : Introduction
& Overview
Stroke : Types
Stroke : Post Stroke
Symptoms & Signs
Stroke : Effects
Stroke : Risk Factors
Stroke : Medical
Tests & Diagnosis
Stroke : Treatment
Stroke : Prevention
Stroke : Stroke in Women
Stroke : Stroke in
Children

Article by Alina Morrow, MA
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com
Stroke
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