Stroke

Stroke

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

Your neurologist will perform a physical examination to determine if you've had a stroke. Your examination may include blood or urine tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), electroencephalogram (EEG) or neuro-imaging studies.

Neuro-imaging studies may include:

• Carotid Ultrasonography — This is a non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate blood flow in the carotid arteries in the neck. These images may reveal significant narrowing or stenosis in the carotid arteries that may require more invasive treatment such as surgery or stenting.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Head — With this non-invasive test, X-ray beams are used to create images of the brain. CT scans can provide information on whether a stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic.

• Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA)
— This is a minimally invasive imaging study that uses a contrast material to produce pictures of major blood vessels in the brain and neck. This study may help your doctor determine if there is a blockage or a significant narrowing in your blood vessels that may require further intervention.

• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) — This is a minimally invasive imaging study that uses MRI technique to show the arteries in the neck and brain. MRA may be performed with or without contrast material.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Brain — This non-invasive study uses a strong magnetic field to produce detailed pictures of the brain. An MRI is often used to locate abnormalities within the brain, including a stroke, ischemic or hemorrhagic.

• Catheter Arteriography — This is a more invasive neuro-imaging technique that can provide more detailed images of your blood vessels. An arteriogram may be performed if other tests don't reveal the cause of the stroke. Your doctor will make a samll incision, usually in your groin, then insert a catheter, which is a flexible, thin tube, carefully through your arteries and into your carotid or vertebral artery. Your doctor will then inject a contrast material into the catheter that will help highlight the vessels when X-rays are taken. Using this method, your physicians may be able to identify blockages or significant narrowings and repair diseased vessels.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated January 28, 2008