A CT scan uses X-rays to take pictures of the brain. A CT scan of the head is usually one of the first tests used for a stroke. A CT scan can show bleeding in the brain or damage to brain cells. The CT scan also can find other problems that can cause stroke symptoms.
Tests to diagnose stroke include the following: Computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays to take clear, detailed pictures of your brain. It is often done right after a stroke is suspected. A brain CT scan can show if there is bleeding in the brain or damage to the brain cells from a stroke.
An MRI can also detect old strokes for decades after they happen. The fastest type of MRI is diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). It measures shifts in fluid in the brain and can detect a stroke soon after its onset. An MRI can also detect evidence of past strokes.
Symptoms can be subtle and fleeting: They typically last less than an hour. The advice for these milder events is the same: Call 911, right away, for urgent evaluation and care. If you have a mild stroke or TIA, do not assume that you have dodged the bullet.
Like a CT scan, a stroke MRI takes multiple images of the inside of the head using sophisticated x-rays and computers. Unlike a CT scan, which takes several hours to reveal any blockages of blood flow, an MRI can uncover any brain damage within an hour of the onset of the stroke symptoms.
You will likely have a head CT scan or brain MRI. A stroke may show changes on these tests, but TIAs will not.
These brief episodes are transient ischemic attacks (TIA), sometimes called “mini-strokes.” They still should be taken seriously, because they tend to be signs of underlying serious conditions that can lead to a full stroke, even possibly in the few days following a TIA event if not evaluated and treated for a TIA.
Unlike events such as a heart attack where there could be obvious signs of discomfort or pain, a silent stroke may include the following symptoms: Sudden lack of balance. Temporary loss of basic muscle movement (bladder included) Slight memory loss.
One of the most common stroke mimics is a seizure, which researchers believe account for as many as 20% of all stroke mimics. Other common stroke mimics include migraines, syncope, sepsis, brain tumor and metabolic derangement (low sodium or low blood sugar).
Your doctor then will need to do blood tests and imaging tests to figure out which type of stroke you might have had. The most common kind is called ischemic stroke.
Most people who have a mini-stroke feel fine after the event. In fact, many people don't even realize they've had one! Symptoms might include weakness, numbness, tingling, vision changes or difficulty speaking. Most symptoms are temporary and dissipate within minutes but sometimes can last up to 24 hours.
Some people will experience symptoms such as headache, numbness or tingling several days before they have a serious stroke. One study found that 43% of stroke patients experienced mini-stroke symptoms up to a week before they had a major stroke.
Weakness, paralysis, and problems with balance or coordination. Pain, numbness, or burning and tingling sensations. Fatigue, which may continue after you return home. Inattention to one side of the body, also known as neglect; in extreme cases, you may not be aware of your arm or leg.
Can an ECG detect stroke? Yes. ECG can detect a heart problem that might lead to a stroke or even uncover a past problem such as a previous heart attack.
Stress can cause the heart to work harder, increase blood pressure, and increase sugar and fat levels in the blood. These things, in turn, can increase the risk of clots forming and travelling to the heart or brain, causing a heart attack or stroke.
Some of the most common stroke mimics are seizures, migraine, fainting, serious infections and functional neurological disorder (FND).
Pre-strokes or mini strokes are the common terms used to describe a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Unlike a full blown stroke, a TIA only lasts a few minutes and does not cause permanent damage. Nevertheless it is a warning sign that a possible stroke may be coming in the future.
Strokes may not be seen on a CT scan for several reasons. It can sometimes take several hours for the brain to appear abnormal after the onset of stroke. The affected region may also be a part of the brain that CT scans do not image well, such as the cerebellum or the brainstem.
A person experiencing a TIA might feel sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, have slurred speech, have trouble seeing or talking, and feel confused. The person may experience a combination of these symptoms at the same time. “The real takeaway?
Brain scans
Computerised tomography (CT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) take pictures of your brain that show areas of damage and swelling. Either a CT scan or MRI should be done urgently within the first 24 hours after a stroke. This is to work out the type of stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic).
You get stroke symptoms because a clot is blocking the blood supply in your brain. When the clot moves away, the stroke symptoms stop. You might feel like you're fine afterwards, but it's vital to get medical help right away.