Stroke Medical Tests & Diagnosis - OmniMedicalSearch.com

Conditions & Diseases: Brain & Nervous System

Stroke

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.

Article by Alina Morrow, MA
Medical Writer
OmniMedicalSearch.com
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