by Signs and Symptoms of Stroke
One of the key aspects of stroke diagnostics is recognizing the common signs and symptoms of a stroke. Some common signs that someone may be having a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body. Other signs include confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, trouble walking or loss of balance and coordination. It is important to note that not everyone having a stroke will experience all of these symptoms.
Imaging Tests Used for Diagnosis
Once a patient experiencing Stroke Diagnostics symptoms arrives at the hospital, doctors will perform several imaging tests to determine exactly what type of stroke it is and its cause. The most common imaging tests used are CT scans and MRI scans. A CT or computed tomography scan uses X-rays and computer technology to take cross-sectional images of the brain. CT scans can quickly determine if there has been a hemorrhage or bleeding in the brain within minutes of arrival. An MRI or magnetic resonance imaging scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce very detailed images of the brain. MRI scans are better than CT scans at detecting small areas of damaged or dead brain tissue caused by a blockage of blood flow.
Examining Blood Tests and Vessel Imaging
In addition to imaging tests of the brain, doctors may also order blood tests and vessel imaging tests. Common blood tests include a complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, and coagulation studies. These blood tests help check for infections, electrolyte abnormalities, kidney and liver function, blood sugar levels, and blood clotting disorders that could cause the stroke. Ultrasound tests like carotid duplex ultrasounds examine the carotid arteries in the neck for any narrowing or blockages. Other arteriogram tests like CT angiograms or MRI angiograms produce detailed pictures of blood vessels and arteries supplying the brain to locate any clots or ruptured vessels.
Diagnosing Stroke Subtypes
Once the initial tests are complete, doctors are able to determine the exact subtype and cause of the stroke. The major subtypes diagnosed are ischemic strokes, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), and hemorrhagic strokes. Ischemic strokes are caused by a blockage or clot that cuts off blood flow to part of the brain and account for about 87% of all strokes. Transient ischemic attacks or mini-strokes cause similar stroke symptoms but the blockages are temporary and resolve within 24 hours without lasting effects. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain tissue. The two main types of hemorrhagic strokes are caused by either bleeding into the brain from a ruptured aneurysm (aneurysmal hemorrhage) or from high blood pressure causing weakened vessels to rupture (hypertensive hemorrhage).
Long Term Monitoring and Risk Reduction
After a patient survives the initial stroke event, doctors focus on long term monitoring, risk reduction, and prevention of future strokes. Regular follow up visits involve further testing to monitor for any recovery and check for new symptoms. Lifestyle changes are recommended to control conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise, and smoking that raise the risk of another stroke. Medications are often prescribed to manage these stroke risk factors like blood thinners, statins, drugs for irregular heartbeat and more. Patients may undergo additional procedures to repair damage or blockages discovered during the initial workup. Procedures like angioplasty to clear neck arteries or placement of a stent can help improve blood flow and protect against future stroke. Continuous monitoring is important since recurrence rates are high without adequate risk factor modification and treatment.
Treatment and Management Challenges
While advances in stroke diagnostics and treatment have significantly improved stroke outcomes, managing the condition still presents many challenges. Not all patients get to the hospital in time to receive potentially life-saving clot-busting drugs. Ischemic strokes caused by small, deep vessel blockages may still be missed on initial scans. Diagnosing invisible “silent” brain injuries from prior mini-strokes can be difficult. Managing multiple risk factors jointly in high-risk patients requires a multidisciplinary care approach over many years. New diagnostic tools with higher sensitivity and specificity are needed to detect strokes in their very earliest stages. Developing safer, effective acute stroke treatments with fewer side effects also remains a major pursuit of ongoing research. Coordinated stroke systems of care are critical to overcoming these difficulties and maximizing functional recovery for every stroke patient.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
