| If you suspect you are a loved one may have had a | | | | brain and spinal chord. |
| stroke, it is essential that you seek immediate medical | | | | A "CAT" scan or "computed axial tomography" will be |
| attention even if the symptoms seem to go away on | | | | performed that can detect an "ischemic stroke" or " |
| their own. When a patient is suspected of having a | | | | hemorrhagic stroke " or any other problems within the |
| stroke, a physician will run a series of tests in order to | | | | brain or brainstem. An "MRI" or "magnetic resonance |
| make an accurate diagnosis and determine the best | | | | imaging" scan may also be performed that will show |
| form of treatment. | | | | the brain as well as the spinal chord and is capable of |
| The first step in this procedure is to examine the | | | | showing a more detailed image than a CAT scan. |
| patient's medical history and inquire about the | | | | Test to Check the Blood Supply to the Brain |
| symptoms they are currently experiencing or any past | | | | There are several tests that may be performed in |
| symptoms they may have had. If the patient is unable | | | | order to check the blood vessels that supply blood |
| to communicate, a family member or friend may assist | | | | flow to the brain. These include a "carotid doppler" |
| the physician in providing the necessary information. | | | | which is an ultrasound that will show an image of the |
| Initial Examination in Diagnosing a Stroke | | | | carotid arteries within the neck area as well as the |
| A full medical examination is one of the first things that | | | | flow of blood to the brain. |
| will be done when a patient is suspected of having a | | | | Similar tests that show images of the flow of blood |
| stroke. The patient's vital signs will be checked as well | | | | and blood vessels of the brain include a "transcranial |
| as detailed testing to evaluate the nerves and muscles | | | | doppler", "magnetic resonance angiogram" or "MRA", |
| which will consist of a testing the patients reflexes, | | | | and a "cerebral arteriogram". Heart testing may also |
| strength, sensation, and coordination. | | | | be performed to view images of the heart or check |
| Questions will also be asked to determine any motor | | | | its functioning as well as other testing of the major |
| skills or cognitive impairment that includes speech, | | | | organs within the body and more specific forms of |
| memory, or thinking. After these initial tests are | | | | neurological testing. |
| completed, additional testing may be ordered or the | | | | While a physician is able to make an accurate |
| patient may be referred to a neurologist or a brain | | | | diagnosis with these tests, the exact cause of a |
| surgeon or specialist. | | | | stroke may not be determined for a long period of |
| Routine Lab Testing and Image Tests | | | | time and in some cases the exact cause may never |
| When additional testing is required routine blood tests | | | | be discovered. A stroke is considered a medical |
| will be taken as well as more specific testing to | | | | emergency; therefore, if you or a loved experiences |
| evaluate the blood vessels, brain, or heart. The most | | | | any signs or symptoms that are associated with a |
| common form of testing done when a patient is | | | | stroke, it is essential that you seek emergency medical |
| suspected of having a stroke is image testing that will | | | | assistance. |
| show a three dimensional image of the brain or the | | | | |