What are the various methods for stroke diagnosis?

When you experience symptoms of a stroke, you should immediately confirm your health condition by going to the doctor's office or hospital. There are several methods and tests that your doctor will use to diagnose any health problem you are experiencing. What tests will a doctor do to diagnose a stroke? Check out the following explanation.

Various choices of medical tests to diagnose stroke

The following are some medical tests that can help doctors diagnose stroke, including:

1. Physical examination

Before making a further diagnosis, the first step that doctors usually take is to carry out simple tests, such as listening to the heartbeat and checking the patient's blood pressure.

In addition, the patient may be asked to undergo neurological tests to see if a stroke attacks the nervous system.

2. Blood test

There are several blood tests that you may need to undergo to diagnose a stroke. This includes blood tests that check blood clots, blood sugar levels, and check the blood to make sure the patient has an infection.

3. Brain scan

Although the physical symptoms experienced by stroke patients are very obvious, doctors usually will still undergo brain scans which can help determine the following:

• Whether the stroke has caused blockage of the arteries causing the patient to have an ischemic stroke, or rupture of a blood vessel or hemorrhagic stroke.
• Determine which part of the brain is affected.
• Determine the severity of the stroke experienced.

Any patient who is suspected of having a stroke should immediately undergo a brain scan at least 1 hour after arriving at the hospital. The reason is, the initial diagnosis for stroke is very important, especially for:

• Using stroke medications to break up blood clots, or medication using anticoagulants.
• Have undergone anticoagulant treatment.
• Have low awareness.

Two types of brain scans that may be done to diagnose a stroke include:

CT scan

A CT scan is performed using a series of X-rays to produce clear and detailed images of the patient's brain. CT scans can show bleeding in the brain, ischemic stroke, tumors, and various other health conditions.

The doctor may also inject a dye into the bloodstream to see blood vessels in the neck and brain more clearly.

If a patient is thought to be having a stroke, a CT scan can show the doctor what type of stroke the patient is experiencing. In fact, CT scans are considered faster than MRI so they can help patients get effective treatment as soon as possible.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI is usually performed using radio waves and strong magnets to create clear and detailed images of the patient's brain. This method can detect brain tissue that is damaged due to ischemic stroke and cerebral hemorrhage.

Usually, this method is performed on patients who have various symptoms, so that the location of the damage is still unknown. This method is also performed on patients who are recovering fromtransient ischemic attack(TIA) or a minor stroke.

This test also shows the brain tissue with more detailed images and shows locations that are not usually visible that are easier to detect.

The doctor may inject a colored fluid into the vein to look at the arteries and veins and explain the flow of blood in the body.

4. Swallow test

A swallow test is also important for the diagnosis of stroke. Especially for patients whose ability to swallow is often affected after a stroke.

When a stroke patient cannot swallow properly, there is a risk that the food and drink that is consumed incorrectly gets into the respiratory tract, so that it can trigger chest infections such as pneumonia.

This test is carried out very simply. The patient will be asked to drink the water given using a teaspoon. If the patient is able to swallow without choking or coughing, the patient will be asked to drink from the glass and finish half of the contents.

If there is difficulty swallowing, stroke patients will be referred to a speech therapist for further diagnosis.

Generally, patients are prohibited from eating and drinking in a normal manner until they have first met a therapist. In this condition, the patient is advised to consume fluids and nutrients that are given through an IV or a tube that is inserted into the stomach through the nose.

5. Carotid ultrasound

When undergoing this test for a stroke diagnosis, sound waves will form a clear picture of the carotid arteries inside the patient's neck. This test can show plaque buildup and blood flow within the carotid arteries.

In addition, this test can also help the doctor to see if there is a blockage or narrowing of the arteries in the neck and leading to the brain. This test usually takes 48 hours or about two days in length.

6. Cerebral angiogram

Compared to other types of tests, a cerebral angiogram is a test that is rarely performed to diagnose a stroke. Usually, while undergoing this test, your doctor will insert a small, flexible tube (catheter) through your inner thigh and lead it up the aortic vessel and into the carotid or vertebral artery.

Then, the doctor will inject a dye fluid into the vein to make it visible on an X-ray. This procedure provides a detailed overview of the arteries that are present in the patient's brain and neck.

7. Echocardiography

An echocardiogram or heart echo, which is usually used to detect heart disease, can also be used to diagnose a stroke. This tool shows a clear picture of the patient's heart so that doctors can check for heart health problems that may be related to the patient's stroke.

In addition, an echocardiogram can also find the source of blood clots in the heart that may move out of the heart to the brain, causing the patient to have a stroke.

Usually, this method is performed using an ultrasound probe that is crossed over the patient's chest. However, according to the National Health Service, there are also other alternatives to this method, namely transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) which is sometimes done.

During the TOE, an ultrasound is inserted into the throat, but the patient will be sedated first. With this method, the device is located right behind the heart so that it can produce a clear picture of blood clots in the blood vessels as well as other abnormal conditions in the patient's heart.

Of the various diagnosis methods for stroke, the doctor will determine the appropriate stroke diagnosis method according to your overall health condition. The initial symptoms that appear can also determine the choice of this diagnostic method.

If you or those around you show symptoms of a stroke, immediately contact the Emergency Room of the nearest hospital to get prompt and prompt treatment. That way, doctors can determine the appropriate stroke treatment method so that the potential for recovery is also high.