Stroke Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms occur suddenly. They differ depending on the part of the brain affected. Multiple symptoms arise at the same time. Call emergency help right away. Brain tissue dies quickly when deprived of oxygen.

Symptoms:

Weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including the face
Seizures
Confusion
Nausea and vomiting of sudden onset
Blurry, dimming, double vision, or no vision
Difficulty swallowing, talking, or comprehending others
Dizziness , falling, or loss of balance
Severe or unusual headache

Diagnosis

Having a stroke is an emergency situation. Diagnosis includes:

Neurological exams
Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) —a test that records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
Brain and blood vessel imaging by:
- CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the brain
  - This test helps doctors identify hemorrhagic versus ischemic stroke.
- MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the brain
- Ultrasonography—a test that uses sound waves to examine the brain
Blood tests especially homocysteine, prothrombin time , and other coagulation tests

Some tests may include:

Arteriography (angiography)—a catheter is placed in a blood vessel in the groin and threaded up to the brain; to show arteries in the brain
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)—shows brain blood vessels by mapping blood flow
CT angiogram (CTA)—this test uses a CT scanner and can give images of the blood vessels inside the brain, after a dye is injected into the veins
Functional MRI—shows brain activity by picking up signals from oxygenated blood
Doppler ultrasound —shows narrowing of the arteries (carotid and vertebral) supplying the brain; evaluates flow of blood in brain
Echocardiography —a test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart; to show if the clot comes from one of the heart's chambers

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.