Stroke

Alternate Names : Brain Attack, Cerebrovascular Accident, CVA

How is the condition diagnosed?

The first step in diagnosis of stroke is a medical history and physical exam. This may be all that is needed to make the diagnosis. In other cases, further tests may be needed.

Cranial MRIs and cranial CT scans may be ordered to show the type, size, and location of the stroke. They can also show whether or not there is bleeding in the brain, which can help with some treatment decisions.

Other tests may be ordered to help determine the cause of the stroke. For instance, a special X-ray test of the neck arteries can detect blockage. Certain X-ray tests of the heart can show heart failure or changes from a heart attack. A heart tracing, or ECG, can show abnormal heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation, or certain changes from a heart attack.