Diagnose a Stroke - Lab Tests Used to Diagnose a Stroke

There are many different lab tests used to diagnose aas well.
stroke. If you display the warning signs that areCarotid Doppler
associated with a stroke, or if a doctor feels that youCarotid Doppler is a lab test that is used to display the
have suffered from a stroke, additional information thatblood vessels that are located in the neck. The test is
can be acquired from various types of lab tests will beused to determine if there is an appropriate amount of
required. It is common for doctors to examine theblood flow to the brain from the body. It is also used to
blood, the heart, the blood vessels throughout the body,determine how fast the blood is able to travel from the
and the brain.body to the blood vessels in the neck up to the brain.
Not only do these tests assist in officially diagnosing aMany doctors are able to determine if there is an
stroke, but they also assist in helping a doctorobstruction in the blood vessels by examining the
determine what it is that caused the stroke to occur. Inresults of a carotid Doppler test. Many doctors that
this guide, you will learn about the most common labsuspect that an individual may be at risk for a stroke
tests used when a doctor believes a stroke is aboutwill conduct this type of test in order to determine if
to occur or that a stroke has already occurred.the arteries are narrowed in any manner. Obstructions
Computed Axial Tomography or CAT scanare typically a direct result of cholesterol deposits.
The CAT scan is one of the most common lab testsMany obstructions may be a direct result of blood
used on individuals that are believed to have had aclots that occur within the circulatory system.
stroke or individuals that doctors believe are in theConclusion
beginning stages of a stroke. When a doctor performsThere are many different lab tests used to diagnose a
this test, they are searching for abnormalities within thestroke. The CAT scan and the Carotid Doppler test
brain.are the two most common types of tests that doctors
In addition to this, they are able to identify if there areutilize today. These tests may also be used by
any complications within the blood as far as the flowdoctors in order to determine if a person is at risk for
to the brain is concerned. This test is effective inthe development of a stroke. These tests are often
establishing whether or not a blood vessel in or aroundquite expensive, but they provide doctors with the
the brain has been ruptured. In nine of ten cases, adetails that they need to determine what type of
CAT scan will be used to take pictures of the brain,situation is happening with the patient.
but it can take pictures of other sections of the body