Tests for Stroke

  • Stroke
    A stroke is caused by the interruption of the blood supply to the brain, usually because a blood vessel bursts or is blocked by a clot. This cuts off the supply of oxygen and nutrients, causing damage to the brain tissue. The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is injured and how severely it is affected. A very severe stroke can cause sudden death.
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 29 October 2015

What tests do you need to have done?

Stroke is a medical emergency, and anyone suspected of having a stroke should be taken to hospital immediately (delay affects rehab) so that tests can be done and the correct treatment provided as quickly as possible. Tests include:

  • Physical examination and tests like a blood pressure test, blood tests to check cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels. 
  • Ultrasound - a wand waved over the neck can provide a picture that shows whether there is any narrowing or clotting in the arteries.
  • Computerised tomography (CT) scans of the brain can show an area of the brain that has poor blood flow.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain can show moving blood flow and may help evaluate carotid artery blockage.
Changed
24/Oct/2021
Community
Neurological Conditions
Stroke Rehab and Recovery
Condition
Stroke

Stories

  • "I Will Not Let Stroke Disable Me"
    Two years back, Andrew Hyde suffered a massive stroke and was completely paralysed on one side. But, with phenomenal will power and determination, he got back on his feet and returned to a demanding job. Read his inspirational and life-altering recovery. Looking back, I should have seen it coming. I used to work in the oil rig in Kakinada(Andhra Pradesh). The job involved a great deal of physical labour and mental challenges. Sometimes we had to work for 48 hours without a break. My lifestyle…
  • When Should We Start Stroke Rehabilitation and Other Common Questions
    Rehabilitation is essential and critical to improved quality of life and recovery for a stroke patient. Experienced Physiotherapists Nicole D’souza and  Kshitija Ghole from the Neurology Foundation address some of the common questions on stroke rehabilitation. 1.   What is the aim of stroke rehabilitation? The aim of Stroke rehabilitation is to help those affected to relearn essential skills lost due to damage to the brain. These could range from re-learning how to walk…
  • How Can You Help Someone Having a Stroke?
    Stroke or Cardiovascular accident or CVA is a real medical emergency. Quick and timely intervention helps. Dr. Shital Raval tells what you should do to help someone having a stroke.  Stroke, also called Cardiovascular accident or CVA, is a Medical emergency! It occurs when blood flow to the brain or part of the brain become restricted or blocked. This may lead to damage or death of the brain cells from lack of oxygen causing temporary or permanent impairment of the functioning of the brain…
  • A woman in a pink t shirt stretching a green resistance band
    After Stroke, Many Survivors Report Vision Difficulties
    G Srinithya, Senior Occupational Therapist at NIMHANS, highlights the various specialised rehabilitation programs for different types of stroke related disabilities ranging from visual, cognitive to swallowing impairment. Which cognitive rehabilitation intervention is best for improvement of attention and memory problems in patients with stroke? Following stroke, many people experience difficulties in arousal, attention, concentration, memory, perception, problem solving, decision making,…
  • Robotic Hand therapy equipment for Stroke Patients
    Stroke Rehabilitation Helps Relearn Lost Skills
    Stroke rehabilitation is an important aspect of the management of stroke. It can help to maximize recovery and regain as much of the body functions that is lost after a stroke, emphasises G Srinithya, Senior Occupational Therapist at NIMHANS. What is Post Stroke Rehabilitation? Post stroke Rehabilitation is a patient-centred, goal driven process that attempts to maximise the functional independence of patients who suffer from variety of stroke related disabilities. The aim of rehabilitation is…
  • Profile pic of a man in a red tshirt smiling
    A Stroke Survivor’s Mantra to Live A Better Life
    Sharad Kumar Tekalkote, who lost his ability to speak after a severe stroke, had to undergo intense rehabilitation and speech therapy exercises, to resume normalcy. Today, he is a motivational speaker. Here, he shares ten tips on how to live a full life. I was diagnosed with a haemorrhagic stroke. I was given a 5% chance of making it through an operating table. While no one expects adversity or enjoys experiencing it, the fact is that challenges are a normal part of life. On 18 October, 2012,…
  • Ranjana on the right with her stroke survivor mother Vaidehi on the left
    Stroke Takes Emotional And Financial Toll On Family!
    Ranjana Rajan had a difficult time when her mother Vaidehi suddenly got a stroke and returned home with her left limbs paralysed. Here, she narrates her experiences and challenges as a caregiver of a stroke patient and suggests some measures to reduce the burden. April 6, 2014, 9 pm: While eating her dinner, my 80-year old mom’s eyes became blurry, her left jaw dropped and she fell to one side of the chair; we immediately called a nearby hospital emergency service and moved her there. Her BP on…
  • A man in a black t-shirt and blue yoga pants sitting in padmasana or lotus pose
    The Biggest Fear I had to Battle was my Loss of Speech
    Sharad Tekalkote, 44, had no idea what was happening to him when he got a severe haemorrhagic stroke. It left him paralysed on his right side and completely took away his ability to speak. Here, he recounts his traumatic story and perseverance to get back to normal. That Thursday morning lacked the usual workday frenzy as my boss was on holiday. I left home at 10 am for the Expo Centre at Whitefield in Bengaluru to visit some dignitaries. My boss called me at 12:30 pm and I spoke to him for…
  • Payal in a brown dress holding her mother in a yellow kurta and white dupatta from behind
    How Our Entire Family Rallies Around My Mother, My Dad's Primary Caregiver
    Payal talks about how she has seen her father deteriorate physically and mentally over the years due to stroke. She and her mother play an active role in his daily care which has become tougher over time. Payal, tell us about your father’s condition? My father had a brain stroke 15 years back and he has been slowly deteriorating day by day. He has lost most of his memory and struggles to even remember his children’s names. He often wanders off if left alone, so he needs to be monitored 24 hours…
  • Stroke Is One Of The Leading Disabling Conditions In The World
    On World Stroke Day, Prof Dr Dipes Kumar Mandal, Founder-President - Stroke Foundation of Bengal talks about how a condition like Stroke, which has far reaching consequences, needs to be taken more seriously. Do you think stroke is one of the most debilitating conditions? Why? Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disabilities globally. While in USA, heart disease is the leading cause of death, in China, Stroke (Brain Attack) is the leading cause of death as well as disabilities…