Stroke Diagnosis
Symptoms occur suddenly and differ depending on the part of the brain affected. Multiple symptoms generally arise simultaneously. Do not delay calling for emergency medical help. Brain tissue dies quickly when deprived of oxygen.
Symptoms include
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- blurry, dimming, or no vision
- difficulty swallowing, talking, or comprehending others
- dizziness, falling, or loss of balance
- severe or unusual headache
If you think you are having a stroke, call 911 or your local ambulance service and get to a hospital as soon as possible.
Having a stroke is an emergency situation.
Diagnosis includes:
- neurological exams
- blood tests
- imaging scans
- other tests to quickly determine the cause, location, and amount of damage
Tests may include:
- computed tomography (CT) scan — a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the brain
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan — a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the brain
- arteriography (angiography) — shows arteries in the brain
- magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) — shows brain blood vessels by mapping blood flow
- functional MRI — shows brain activity by picking up signals from oxygenated blood
- Doppler ultrasound — shows narrowing of the arteries supplying the brain