Stroke - Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of stroke is done by ruling out other conditions that can mimic stroke symptoms.


A stroke can be categorized as a medical emergency with the patient warranting immediate attention. The doctor begins by taking the medical history of the patient. This is done mostly by asking questions to relatives or friends.

There are several conditions like that mimic a stroke -

• brain tumor,
• brain abscess,
• bleeding within the brain,
• meningitis,
• or migraine headaches

Overdose of certain medications or an imbalance of calcium, sodium or glucose can also produce symptoms similar to stroke. Therefore it is essential that these conditions be ruled out.

After the medical history of the patient is taken, his vital signs are checked. Simultaneously, blood tests will also be carried out.

1. Blood tests for stroke patients include-

• Sedimentation rate
• C-reactive protein test
• Screening for anemia
• Kidney function
• Potential infection
• Electrolyte abnormalities

Some of the specific tests employed in the diagnosis of stroke are listed below-


2) Computerized tomography: This is a special X-ray study to help determine the cause of stroke. A CT scan can detect bleeding or tumors (conditions can mimic a stroke) within the brain. A computerized tomography with angiography can give informations regarding aneurysms or other heart -associated malfunctions.

3) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) works by using magnetic waves instead of x-rays to image the brain. The MRI gives more detailed images than a CT scan but is not always carried out as the first diagnostic test. Specific tests like Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA) or Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) are also being carried out in some centres.

Some of the other diagnostic tests include-

4. Conventional angiogram

5. Carotid Doppler ultrasound

6. Heart tests such as ECG

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