Evaluation
Procedures for Stroke
In addition
to a complete medical history and physical examination,
diagnostic procedures for stroke may include the
following.
- computed tomography
scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic
imaging procedure that uses a combination of
x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional
images (often called slices), both horizontally
and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows
detailed images of any part of the body, including
the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans
are more detailed than general x-rays; used
to detect abnormalities and help identify the
location or type of stroke.
- magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that
uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies,
and a computer to produce detailed images of
organs and structures within the body; an MRI
uses magnetic fields to detect small changes
in brain tissue that helps to locate and diagnose
stroke.
- radionuclide angiography
- a nuclear brain scan in which radioactive
compounds are injected into a vein in the arm,
and a machine (similar to a Geiger counter)
creates a map showing their uptake into different
parts of the head. The images show how the brain
functions rather than its structure. This test
can often detect areas of decreased blood flow
and tissue damage.
- computed tomographic
angiography (CTA) - an x-ray image of the blood
vessels. A CT angiogram uses CT technology to
obtain images of blood vessels.
- electroencephalogram
(EEG) - a procedure that records the brain's
continuous, electrical activity by means of
electrodes attached to the scalp.
- evoked potentials
- procedures that record the brain's electrical
response to visual, auditory, and sensory stimuli.
- carotid phonoangiography
- a small microphone is placed over the carotid
artery on the neck to record sounds created
by blood flow as it passes through a partially
blocked artery. The abnormal sound is called
a bruit.
- Doppler sonography
- a special transducer is used to direct sound
waves into a blood vessel to evaluate blood
flow. An audio receiver amplifies the sound
of the blood moving though the vessel. Faintness
or absence of sound may indicate a problem with
blood flow.
- ocular plethysmography
- measures pressure on the eyes, or detects
pulses in the eyes.
- cerebral blood flow
test (inhalation method) - measures the amount
of oxygen in the blood supply that reaches different
areas of the brain.
- digital subtraction
angiography (DSA) - provides an image of the
blood vessels in the brain detect a problem
with blood flow. The test involves inserting
a small, thin tube (catheter) into an artery
in the leg and passing it up to the blood vessels
in the brain. A contrast dye is injected through
the catheter and x-ray images are taken.
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